On this week's episode I'm thrilled to have my friend and colleague, Dave Adamusko, join me to demystify "direct access"—a powerful technique that allows IFS practitioners to speak directly to a client's parts.
Dave and I dive deep into why direct access is so essential, especially for clients with trauma histories or deeply blended parts who might struggle with more traditional "insight" methods. Dave leads me in a brief session to demonstrate explicit direct access, engaging with a part of me that was feeling annoyed and ignored, and we trace its origins back to a childhood experience. It was such a profound experience!
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- What "direct access" truly means, both for clinicians and for those of us simply navigating our inner worlds.
- How direct access facilitates quick unblending, befriending, and the gathering of powerful insights.
- Why practicing direct access, even with "easier" clients, is crucial for mastery (and something I'm always working on myself!).
- The fascinating connection between direct access and other experiential techniques like Gestalt empty chair and psychodrama.
- The important distinction between explicit and implicit direct access.
And be sure to check out my extended interview with Dave exclusively on Substack.
About Dave Adamusko: Dave Adamusko, LMFT is a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, and approved IFS Consultant with a private practice in Mesa, AZ. He has been involved in the IFS community since 2015 and has had the privilege of being a Program Assistant for numerous Level 1 trainings as well as a frequent PA for Frank Anderson's L2 Trauma and Neuroscience training. In addition to his therapy private practice he also works as a Guide for Onsite Workshops where he combines his passion for IFS with experiential techniques to create dynamic personal growth workshops. Dave's variety of interests and ADHD have led him to create several passion projects that include (but not limited to): IFS leadership consulting, Experiential Couples Intensives, and recently added, IFS Based Post-Psychedelic Integration Groups.
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The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast