Have you ever struggled with intense emotions while parenting that seem to come out of nowhere? In today's episode, I sit down with Bonnie Weiss, an internationally known trainer in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). 

I was blown away by Bonnie's compassionate approach to understanding the complex parts within us that influence our parenting. She explains how IFS helps separate our reactive "parts" from our true self, allowing us to parent with more awareness and less shame. We explore how generational trauma creates "legacy burdens" that affect our parenting and discover practical techniques to release these burdens. What really resonated with me was Bonnie's explanation of how self-compassion enables us to become more curious about our children's behaviors instead of just reacting to them. 

If you're a parent who sometimes feels overwhelmed by anger, perfectionism, or shame, this conversation offers a gentle roadmap toward healing that will benefit both you and your children.

1. What exactly is Internal Family Systems therapy?
2. How can parents identify and work with the different "parts" of themselves that show up during challenging parenting moments?
3. What are "legacy burdens" and how can we prevent passing them to our children?
4. How does Internal Family Systems therapy's unique approach to healing generational trauma work in practice?
5. How can we handle parts of ourselves that we're ashamed of and don't want to accept?
6. How does becoming curious about ourselves help us become more curious about our children?
7. What resources are available for parents who want to try Internal Family Systems techniques but can't access therapy?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and check out my new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/08/25/when-your-parts-…ng-trauma-cycles/