Cece Sykes on IFS, Addiction & The Power of Choice

In this episode of Going Inside, John Clarke sits down with the legendary Cece Sykes, IFS trainer, therapist, and pioneer in the field of addiction recovery, for a rich, open-ended conversation about the complex dance between trauma, addictive processes, and the healing power of choice.

Together, they break down a real client demo, the challenges therapists face when healing feels urgent, and how the IFS model bridges the gap between trauma treatment and addiction recovery. 

3 Key Takeaways

• What if your inner critic isn’t you — but your parent’s energy?
• When speed becomes a symptom, not a solution.
• The 9th “C” of Self you’ve never heard of (but really need).

👤 Guest: Cece Sykes

Cece Sykes, LCSW, has over 40 years of clinical experience treating trauma and addiction. She is a senior lead trainer for the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Institute, and has trained therapists all over the world on how to use IFS to work with addictive processes and legacy burdens.

📧 Contact: cecesykes427@gmail.com

Resources & Offerings:

➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance:
 https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit:
 https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador

➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit:
 https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE

➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit:
 https://dharmadr.com/JOHN

Connect with me:

https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast