Queering Internal Family Systems (IFS) Mini Episode - Queering IFS - Steps Toward Neuroaffirming Practice Workshop - October 2025
In this mini-episode of Queering IFS, hosts Alessio Rizzo and Jude Carn reconnect after a break to share their gratitude for the thoughtful feedback listeners have been sending in. They reflect on the importance of keeping the conversation going around IFS, queerness, neurodiversity, and cultural competence and they introduce their upcoming workshop:
Steps Towards IFS Neuro-Affirming Practice.
Together, Alessio and Jude discuss:
The journey that led them to create this new workshop, building on their ADHD + IFS events, their neuroqueering presentation at the 2024 IFS Conference, and ongoing podcast conversations.
Why IFS therapists need to go beyond the model itself, integrating cultural competence and awareness of neurodiversity.
Common confusions in the field, including the misconception that neurodivergence is a “part” in IFS.
The role of intersectionality and cultural burdens in therapeutic work.
Their vision of creating a community of practice where therapists can share knowledge, ask questions without shame, and strengthen their work with neurodivergent clients.
Details of the upcoming October 16th, 2025 workshop (5–8 pm UK time), including eligibility (Level 1 IFS training or equivalent) and early-bird discount until September 25th.
Episode Highlights
00:01 – Welcome back: Alessio and Jude reintroduce themselves and the purpose of this placeholder episode.
01:26 – Staying connected: Gratitude for listener feedback and the importance of keeping conversations alive between episodes.
03:27 – Introducing the workshop: Why they’ve designed Steps Towards IFS Neuro-Affirming Practice.
04:03 – Building on past work: From ADHD + IFS workshops to the 2024 IFS Conference on neuroqueering.
05:59 – Going back to basics: Clarifying misconceptions — including why neurodivergence isn’t a “part.”
07:30 – Cultural competence: How minority-informed frameworks can strengthen IFS practice.
08:16 – Bringing IFS into real-world contexts: Linking therapy to wider social and cultural waters.
09:48 – A shame-free learning space: No bad questions, no shaming — just curiosity and growth.
11:40 – Recognising biases: Cultural burdens and therapist parts in practice.
13:25 – Intersectionality: How neurodivergence links with other marginalised identities.
14:33 – Beyond one workshop: Their vision of a wider community of practice.
16:24 – Workshop details: Date, time, eligibility, and early-bird discount.
Key Quotes:
“IFS is brilliant, but it doesn’t exist in a vacuum — we need to bring it back into the real world.”
“There are no bad parts, and in this workshop there are no bad questions.”
“It’s not just about technique, it’s about cultural competence and recognising the waters we all swim in.”
Disclaimer
This podcast is hosted by qualified therapists who share personal reflections and professional insights into therapy and mental health. The views expressed are those of the individual speakers or guests and are personal to them.
While we talk about therapy, this podcast is not therapy. It’s for information, reflection, and conversation only, and should never be considered a substitute for professional mental health support, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship.
Some episodes may touch on sensitive topics, so please take care while listening. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified therapist or mental health professional in your area.
Guest opinions are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the hosts.
Contacts
Alessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) - www.therapywithalessio.com
Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and an Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) with the IFS Institute - www.anchoredinself.co.uk
Sound editing by Forbes Coleman