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Who's Awake? Befriending Insomnia with Internal Family Systems -- with Katie LaCelle
What if your insomnia isn't a problem to fix, but a part of you that needs your attention?
In this insightful and compassionate conversation, I’m joined by somatic IFS and leadership coach Katie LaCelle to explore the deep connection between sleeplessness and our inner system. Katie shares her personal journey with chronic insomnia and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) offered a radically different way of relating to wakefulness—one that invites curiosity, compassion, and presence.
Together, we explore how insomnia can be understood through the lens of parts work, what happens when protector parts activate at night, and why asking “Who’s awake?” might be more helpful than trying to fall back asleep. Katie also offers grounded techniques and nervous system tools to support better sleep—not by overriding parts, but by listening to them.
Whether you struggle with occasional restlessness or chronic insomnia, this episode offers powerful insights into how we can meet our sleepless parts with kindness—and finally begin to rest.
_____________________________
We Explore:
🌙 Katie’s personal experience with insomnia and burnout
🧠 The “Just Ask” principle in IFS: Who’s awake? What do you need?
🔦 Why certain protector parts become active at night
🌀 A theory on nightmares and sleep as a consent violation for some parts
⚖️ Common polarizations around sleep (e.g., “I need to sleep” vs. “I need to stay alert”)
🧘 Techniques for grounding before sleep and during the day
🧩 How to be with insomnia parts instead of battling them
🌿 The power of observing and noticing what’s there—without trying to change it
___________________________
About Katie LaCelle:
Katie LaCelle is a somatic IFS and leadership coach who helps people reconnect with their body’s wisdom and uncover the internal leaders they already carry within. She specializes in working with high achievers, people pleasers, and caretakers—especially those navigating burnout or struggling with sleep. Katie regularly assists with IFS Institute trainings and is currently pursuing her Somatic Experiencing Practitioner certification. Her work blends deep nervous system support with compassionate parts work to create lasting, embodied change.
______________________________
Learn More & Connect with Katie:
🧘 IFS for Insomnia Course: cressanallc.com/about-insomnia-course
📸 Instagram: @cressanallc
🌐 Website: www.cressanallc.com
Tune in for a gentle, eye-opening conversation on what it really means to rest—and how befriending our sleepless parts might be the first step.
_____________________________
Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below
Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/
Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact
Instagram: @nataliedeering
_____________________________
Donate to the podcast Here!
Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email [email protected] for more information. Thank you for the support!
*Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*
View all episodes
By Natalie Deering
4.8
4545 ratings
What if your insomnia isn't a problem to fix, but a part of you that needs your attention?
In this insightful and compassionate conversation, I’m joined by somatic IFS and leadership coach Katie LaCelle to explore the deep connection between sleeplessness and our inner system. Katie shares her personal journey with chronic insomnia and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) offered a radically different way of relating to wakefulness—one that invites curiosity, compassion, and presence.
Together, we explore how insomnia can be understood through the lens of parts work, what happens when protector parts activate at night, and why asking “Who’s awake?” might be more helpful than trying to fall back asleep. Katie also offers grounded techniques and nervous system tools to support better sleep—not by overriding parts, but by listening to them.
Whether you struggle with occasional restlessness or chronic insomnia, this episode offers powerful insights into how we can meet our sleepless parts with kindness—and finally begin to rest.
_____________________________
We Explore:
🌙 Katie’s personal experience with insomnia and burnout
🧠 The “Just Ask” principle in IFS: Who’s awake? What do you need?
🔦 Why certain protector parts become active at night
🌀 A theory on nightmares and sleep as a consent violation for some parts
⚖️ Common polarizations around sleep (e.g., “I need to sleep” vs. “I need to stay alert”)
🧘 Techniques for grounding before sleep and during the day
🧩 How to be with insomnia parts instead of battling them
🌿 The power of observing and noticing what’s there—without trying to change it
___________________________
About Katie LaCelle:
Katie LaCelle is a somatic IFS and leadership coach who helps people reconnect with their body’s wisdom and uncover the internal leaders they already carry within. She specializes in working with high achievers, people pleasers, and caretakers—especially those navigating burnout or struggling with sleep. Katie regularly assists with IFS Institute trainings and is currently pursuing her Somatic Experiencing Practitioner certification. Her work blends deep nervous system support with compassionate parts work to create lasting, embodied change.
______________________________
Learn More & Connect with Katie:
🧘 IFS for Insomnia Course: cressanallc.com/about-insomnia-course
📸 Instagram: @cressanallc
🌐 Website: www.cressanallc.com
Tune in for a gentle, eye-opening conversation on what it really means to rest—and how befriending our sleepless parts might be the first step.
_____________________________
Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below
Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/
Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact
Instagram: @nataliedeering
_____________________________
Donate to the podcast Here!
Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email [email protected] for more information. Thank you for the support!
*Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*
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