In this special crossover episode of Going Inside and the Therapeutic Astrology Podcast, I’m interviewed by Mannah once again to explore the nature of anxiety through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens. We discuss how anxiety operates within the system, its connection to deeper fears, and how working with parts can help navigate uncertainty and fear. Together, we unpack the downward arrow technique, the role of protectors in managing anxiety, and the power of self-led healing in transforming our relationship with fear.

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Kalonya Jones, a complex trauma specialist, to explore the deep and often overlooked impact of childhood trauma. We discuss how trauma shapes identity, relationships, and mental health, even when people don’t initially recognize their experiences as traumatic. Kalonya shares her insights on how healing requires acknowledging past wounds, breaking generational cycles, and cultivating self-compassion.

In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I sit down with Mel Galbraith, a Level 3 IFS therapist and COO of IFSCA, to dive into the practical side of unblending and direct access in Internal Family Systems therapy. We explore what to do when clients struggle to "drop in" or when protectors resist stepping back, and Mel shares how to approach these situations with curiosity, patience, and flexibility. We also touch on the role of self-energy in creating safety, how to avoid bypassing protectors, and the balance between sticking to the model and meeting clients where they are.

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Leslie Sanchez, a licensed therapist who specializes in helping first-generation Latinx individuals heal from childhood trauma caused by emotionally immature parents. Together, we delve into the complexities of growing up with emotionally immature caregivers, the lasting impact it has on adult relationships, self-esteem, and the challenges of setting boundaries. Leslie shares her journey of recognizing her childhood wounds, the importance of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in her healing process, and how she empowers her clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and break free from generational cycles.

In this milestone episode of the Going Inside Podcast, John Clarke celebrates the podcast's 50th episode by diving deep into trauma healing approaches, the versatility of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and answering listener questions. Clarke reflects on how IFS has transformed his trauma therapy practice, emphasizing its comprehensive nature in addressing somatic, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions. He discusses integrating IFS with modalities like EMDR for memory reprocessing and somatic experiencing to address nervous system regulation. 

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From the Inside Out, I guide my client “Cece,” a breathwork facilitator, through a live Internal Family Systems therapy session. Together, we explore her feelings of helplessness, a maternal-like protective part, and the connections between them. Cece’s courage and self-awareness bring valuable insights into her journey of healing and self-compassion.

In this episode of Going Inside, psychotherapist and author Forest Benedict shares his journey from Christian-based sex addiction therapy to healing religious trauma and embracing Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, we explore the impact of religious trauma, the role of shame in addiction and identity, and the power of IFS in fostering authenticity and freedom. Forest reflects on his personal deconstruction, his professional pivot, and his mission to help others reconnect with their true selves in the face of societal and religious pressures.

In this meditation, I guide therapists through an Internal Family Systems meditation focused on connecting with inner parts related to client work. The meditation encourages tuning into the body, reflecting on the therapist’s journey, and engaging with any fears or protective parts that might arise when working with clients.

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Natalie Deering, an IFS therapist and wellness expert, to explore the polyvagal theory and its connection to anxiety. Natalie breaks down how understanding our nervous system responses can help us navigate anxiety, and we discuss practical tools for fostering safety and calm in our bodies.

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Elia Mrak, a trauma informed educator and Qigong practitioner, to explore the deep connection between movement,healing, and aliveness. We dive into how dance and Qigong can be powerful tools for transforming trauma, re-energizing the body, and finding vitality. 

In this impromptu consultation with Monica Cavalcante, I answer her questions about incorporating Internal Family Systems (IFS) into therapeutic practice. We explore essential topics, including how to introduce IFS to clients, the nuances of self and self-energy, and navigating clients' intuitive responses during sessions. If you’re a therapist curious about integrating IFS into your work, this episode is filled with insights and practical tips to enhance your practice. For those who are not therapists but are interested in understanding more about IFS and its transformative potential for self-exploration and healing, this episode offers valuable insights that can enhance your healing journey.

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From The Inside Out, I sit down with Dr. Nathalie Edmond to explore the intersection of race and trauma. We discuss how understanding racial dynamics can help us navigate difficult conversations and promote healing. Dr. Edmond also shares insights from her new book Mindful Race Talk on approaching race-related topics with curiosity and compassion.

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Sara Avant Stover, a women’s leadership coach and author who blends Internal Family Systems (IFS) with entrepreneurship. We dive deep into how IFS can help entrepreneurs find balance between work and life, explore the motivations behind our drive to be productive, and discuss how tapping into our inner resources can enhance our work and overall well-being. 

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From the Inside Out, I’m joined by Dr. Laura Patryas, an expert in the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and non-duality. Together, we explore how these two approaches can deepen our understanding of healing from the inside out. 

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out, I’m joined once again by Bob Falconer to dive into the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and spirit-based work. Bob shares his personal journey into embracing spirituality within therapy, despite initial resistance within the IFS community. We dive into profound topics about connection to spirit, healing, and unburdening.

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From The Inside Out,  David Polidi leads a roundtable discussion of IFS podcasters–Tammy Sollenberger, Natalie Deering, Tim Fortescue, and myself, John Clarke. We explore the internal conflicts and polarizations that arise during creative projects like starting a podcast, how trauma disconnects us from our authentic selves, and the role of Internal Family Systems Therapy in reconnecting with self-energy. Together, they share personal insights on finding clarity, overcoming fears, and deepening self-awareness through IFS.

In this solo episode of "Going Inside," I dive deep into the concept of Self and Self-energy in the context of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. While IFS often begins with discussions about our inner parts—like the perfectionist, the inner critic, or the inner child—I believe that the true heart of the model lies in understanding and accessing Self-energy. Whether you're familiar with IFS or new to the concept, this episode will help you connect with the innate wisdom and healing energy that exists within you.

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From The Inside Out, I sit down with Virginia Jenkins, a mindfulness-based IFS therapist, to delve deep into the complexities of resistance and how it manifests in trauma healing. We explore the nuances of why clients might resist taking care of their own parts and the importance of honoring resistance rather than bypassing it. We also discuss practical tools for both therapists and clients to approach stuckness with compassion and curiosity, rather than frustration. 

I explore the differences and benefits of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy. Both approaches are effective in trauma treatment, but each has its unique strengths. I delve into how EMDR can help desensitize traumatic memories by engaging both sides of the brain, while IFS offers a more holistic approach, focusing on connecting with your core Self and healing internal parts. Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, or relationship issues, understanding these therapies can help you decide which might be the best fit for your healing journey!

In this episode of Going Inside: Healing Trauma From the Inside Out, I guide Sophia through our fourth Internal Family Systems (IFS) Session together, uncovering the complex dynamics that have held her back in her healing journey. As she confronts the reality of her relationship with her mother, Sophia realizes that much of it is based on shame and avoidance. We work through this attachment in the session.