Can IFS Therapy Be Dangerous? What You Need to Know

In this episode of Going Inside Live, John Clarke tackles a wide range of real-time questions from therapists, including a provocative one: Can Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy actually be harmful? John explores the nuances of working with protectors, polarization, dissociation, DID, and the ethical concerns therapists face when practicing powerful modalities like IFS.

Whether you're an IFS practitioner or just curious about parts work, this episode is filled with candid insights and clinical gems to deepen your therapeutic presence.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Why IFS Might Be “Too Powerful” – Learn how bypassing protectors or diving too quickly into exile work can actually destabilize clients.
• Can IFS Work With DID and Severe Dissociation? – John explores how IFS adapts to extreme trauma, alters, and fractured systems — and what not to do.
• The Therapist’s Shadow – Why certification doesn’t guarantee safety, and how even well-trained therapists can unintentionally cause harm.

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