Protectors Make Psychedelic Work Safer

This week, continuing our discussion of psychedelics and therapy, I’m honored to be joined by three amazing guests who are leaders in the IFS and psychedelics worlds. So HOW does a therapist “do” psychedelic assisted psychotherapy? A number of therapists are already using IFS or IFS informed parts work in their practices. Now, we are fortunate to have a clinical manual co-authored by today’s guests, Sunny Strasburg, LMFT; Martha Sweezy, PhD; and David Lovas, MD, together with the founder of IFS, Dick Schwartz, PhD. In our conversation, you’ll hear our guests share their perspectives on the neuroscience involved; how Protector parts can arise in these experiences; ethics and consent in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy; some descriptions of various psychedelic medicines; and the need for additional research in this field. 

About this week’s guests:

Sunny Strasburg, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist, educator, speaker, and pioneering author, specializes in training clinicians and designing impactful experiences that inspire both creativity and compassion. She is the founder of The Theradelic Approach, equipping clinicians with trauma-informed psychedelic-assisted therapy methods. This unique model blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, archetypal psychology, trauma-informed care, and Strasburg's extensive clinical experience. Her debut book, The Theradelic Approach, elevates therapeutic best practices. Sunny also co-authored the official clinical manual for IFS and Psychedelic Therapy, Psychedelic Medicine & Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: A Clinical Skills Manual, with Dave Lovas, Martha Sweezy, and Richard Schwartz. 

Martha Sweezy, PhD, is an Assistant Professor part-time in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, a research and training consultant at the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion at the Cambridge Health Alliance, and a psychotherapist in private practice. Martha has a blog on IFS in Psychology Today, and co-hosts a podcast called System Updates: IFS Chitchat. She has authored, co-authored, and co-edited eleven published books on various applications of Internal Family Systems (IFS), including Internal Family Systems Therapy for Shame and Guilt. She teaches IFS therapy nationally and internationally. 

David Lovas, MD is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and writer. He recently co-wrote "Psychedelic Medicine and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: A Clinical Skills Manual" (2026), with colleagues Martha Sweezy, Richard Schwartz and Sunny Strasburg. They have also taught workshops and co-lead retreats together. Formerly working in academia, Dr Lovas has received awards for his teaching and research at Harvard Medical School and Dalhousie University. Now, along with his private practice, he is focused on translating science, IFS, and depth psychology for a broader audience. Dr Lovas continues to consult and collaborate on IFS and psychedelic research. He speaks and coaches internationally.

Find Our Guests online:

Sunny Strasburg’s website: http://www.sunnystrasburg.com/

Martha Sweezy’s website: https://marthasweezy.com

David Lovas’s website: https://www.drdavidlovas.com

Find Psychedelic Medicine + IFS: A Clinical Skills Manual online here: https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Medicine-Internal-Systems-Therapy/dp/1683739213

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