Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out

Unblending and Direct Access with Mel Galbraith | Internal Family Systems Therapy

Jan 27, 2025

In this conversation, Mel Galbraith, a Level 3 certified IFS therapist and COO of IFSCA, shares her insights on unblending and direct access techniques in Internal Family Systems therapy. She discusses the challenges clients face when protectors resist and the importance of curiosity and patience in therapy. Mel emphasizes prioritizing client safety and flexibility, enabling deeper healing. She also shares the vital role self-energy plays in creating a safe therapeutic space, avoiding the pitfalls of bypassing protectors.

57:58

Episode guests

Mel Galbraith

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Curiosity and validation are essential for therapists to earn the trust of protectors resisting unblending in clients' systems.

Engaging directly with clients' parts through direct access can provide valuable insights and foster deeper connections during therapy.

Prioritizing client safety and emotional well-being over strict adherence to IFS models enhances the healing process and therapeutic relationship.

Deep dives

Coping Skills and Client Safety

Teaching coping skills to clients can significantly impact their ability to self-regulate, particularly for those who have not learned these methods in childhood. If a therapist overly focuses on breathing techniques or other coping skills during sessions, it may create a sense of disconnection between the therapist and the client's internal struggles, potentially leading to increased dysregulation. Instead, it's crucial to assess whether these techniques serve the client's needs or primarily the therapist's comfort. The safety and emotional well-being of the client should take precedence over strictly adhering to therapeutic models.

Intro

3min

A Journey Through Internal Family Systems Therapy

4min

An Unexpected Job Offer During a Zoom Call

3min

Exploring IFS Therapy Dynamics

26min

Navigating IFS Therapy Dynamics

18min

Exploring Future Conversations and Resources in IFS Therapy

3min

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.

Key Takeaways:

Protectors resist unblending for a reason—curiosity and validation are key to earning their trust.
Direct access can feel intimidating but is a natural and effective way to engage parts when insight work stalls.
Prioritizing client safety and flexibility over rigidly following the model leads to deeper, more authentic healing.

Learn more about Mel:
https://www.youtube.com/@IFSCA
https://www.youtube.com/@mel.galbraith
https://www.facebook.com/p/ifsca-61563584521442/

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Resources:

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!
Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE
Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners:
Download my Free IFS Meditation

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

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Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out

Unblending and Direct Access with Mel Galbraith | Internal Family Systems Therapy

Episode guests