Queering Internal Family Systems (IFS)

In this episode of Queering IFS, Alessio and Jude return after a summer pause to thank listeners for their continued support and introduce something new: Open IFS Consultations. These sessions are designed to offer therapists, practitioners, and trainees a supportive, neurodivergent-affirming space to learn, ask questions, and deepen their IFS practice.00:01 – Introductions: Alessio and Jude reintroduce themselves and the podcast’s focus on IFS, queerness, and neurodiversity.00:45 – We’re back!: Reflections on the summer hiatus and reassurance that more episodes are coming soon.01:52 – Gratitude: Acknowledging the unexpected growth of the podcast and the warmth of listener feedback.02:43 – New offer: Announcement of Open IFS Consultations.03:07 – Event details: Two dates confirmed — 30th October and 27th November 2025, 5–7pm UK time.04:44 – What is an Open IFS Consultation?: Alessio describes the format, adapted from his work in Italy — a one-to-one style consultation observed by a group, with opportunities for Q&A.06:23 – Bringing in cultural competence: Jude and Alessio reflect on combining IFS supervision with their knowledge and lived experience of neurodivergence.09:07 – Affirming space: Emphasis on no bad questions, inclusivity, and a strongly neurodivergent-affirming ethos.09:52 – How it connects: Links to their October workshop (Steps Towards IFS Neuro-Affirming Practice) as a possible primer.10:46 – Structure of each consultation: Two 1-hour blocks with a break, Q&A time, and themed cases (e.g. ADHD, autism, OCD). Space for up to four case presenters per event.12:36 – Participation options: Case presenters submit in advance; others may simply listen, observe, or keep cameras off. No one is put on the spot.13:25 – Confidentiality: Sessions will not be recorded; pre-meeting chats available for presenters to ease nerves.14:12 – Community of practice: The events form part of a bigger vision for creating supportive neurodivergent-affirming professional communities.15:54 – Booking details: Early bird discounts apply until one month before each event.16:30 – Who it’s for: Best suited for those with a working understanding of IFS and experience with clients; not designed to teach model basics.17:40 – Closing: Jude and Alessio reiterate their gratitude and promise more episodes and guests soon.What: Open IFS Consultation — IFS for Neurodivergent ClientsWhen:30 October 2025, 5–7pm UK time27 November 2025, 5–7pm UK timeWhere: Online via ZoomWho it’s for: Therapists, trainees, and practitioners with a solid grounding in IFS (Level 1 or equivalent experience).Format: Live group consultation with optional case presentations, observation, and Q&A. Not recorded.Eventbrite link for 30th OctoberEventbrite link for 27th NovemberDisclaimerThis 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.ContactsAlessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) - ⁠⁠⁠www.therapywithalessio.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and an Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) with the IFS Institute - ⁠⁠⁠www.anchoredinself.co.uk⁠⁠⁠Sound editing by Forbes Coleman

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.👉 Eventbrite link⁠Episode Highlights00:01 – 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.”DisclaimerThis 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.ContactsAlessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) - ⁠⁠www.therapywithalessio.com⁠⁠⁠Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and an Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) with the IFS Institute - ⁠⁠www.anchoredinself.co.uk⁠⁠Sound editing by Forbes Coleman

Dive into a captivating discussion about the fascinating interplay between Internal Family Systems therapy and neurodivergence. The hosts explore how self-identity is shaped by cognitive differences and challenge neurotypical norms. They draw parallels between left-handedness and neurodiversity, uncovering the societal biases that persist. Perspectives on autism highlight diverse experiences while advocating for a more inclusive understanding of identity. This thought-provoking conversation invites listeners to embrace curiosity and question conventional paradigms.

In this episode, Jude Carn and Alessio Rizzo explore the keys to neurodivergent-affirming practices in IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy, and psychotherapy and counselling more broadly, exploring how therapists can better accommodate clients’ diverse needs. Jude and Alessio share their experiences and offer practical advice on creating inclusive and supportive therapeutic spaces for neurodivergent individuals, emphasising adaptability and client-centred approaches. Key discussion points include sensory considerations, flexible scheduling, and the importance of open communication.Get in touch with us if this sparks interest in you, and please consider subscribing to help us get the word out there.DisclaimerThis 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.ContactsAlessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS Institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) - ⁠www.therapywithalessio.com⁠⁠Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and an Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) with the IFS Institute - ⁠www.anchoredinself.co.uk⁠Sound editing by Forbes Coleman

Ever wondered about the difference between the medical and social models of disability? 🤔 This episode dives deep! Join Jude, Alessio, and Isabelle, as they explore how society creates barriers, the impact of cultural backgrounds, and practical applications within IFS therapy.This is a fascinating conversation, uncovering the real-world challenges faced by those who are disabled in, and by society, and how to support their journeys.Social Model of Disability, IFS Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Disability, Medical Model, Neurodivergence, Therapy, Accessibility, Client Experiences00:00 Welcome and Introductions03:56 Diving into the Social Model of Disability06:43 Contrasting Models: Social vs. Medical10:03 Cultural Perspectives on Disability15:02 The Intersection of Medical and Social Models23:00 Access Fatigue and Self-Advocacy30:02 Finding Community Among Neurodivergent Folks31:03 The Impact of Support on Disability32:40 Navigating Neurotypical Expectations36:12 Privilege and Adaptation in Workspaces39:03 Invisible Burdens of Neurodivergence42:01 Breaking the Cycle of Internalized Expectations45:12 Reflections and Future ConversationsGet in touch with us if this sparks interest in you, and please consider subscribing to help us get the word out there.DisclaimerThis 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.ContactsIsabelle Vrod, LMSW (she/her) is the Director of OCD | ​Care Coordinator |​ Therapist - spectrumservicesnyc.comAlessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) - www.therapywithalessio.com⁠Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and an Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) with the IFS Institute - www.anchoredinself.co.ukSound editing by Forbes Coleman

In this podcast, Alessio Rizzo and Jude Carn discuss the complex process of shame, which we all have experienced. Queering how we might understand and see this through and IFS lens. Many books have been written about shame, but, perhaps, there is something that we have missed out about the various layers of shame. Listen up to find out what it is!DisclaimerThis podcast is hosted by qualified IFS psychotherapists 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.Find out more about Alessio at www.therapywithalessio.comAnd Jude at www.anchoredinself.co.uk

In this podcast Jude (She / They) and Alessio (He / They) discuss with their guest Anna Thomas (They / Them) about the importance of bringing awareness to the impact of "gender binary" on all our lives.Anna Thomas and Alessio present some of the ideas that have inspired them to offer an online retreat called "IFS Gender Journeys", which is an affinity space for queer and queer-adjacent IFS trained professionals, who want to honour the disenfranchised grief associated with the discovery and acceptance of not being cisgender.To know more about IFS Gender Journeys and book, if places are available, please click https://www.therapywithalessio.com/ifs-gender-journeysContactsDr Anna Thomas Tijsseling can be contacted on https://authentiekepraktijken.nl/en/home-enAlessio is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Assistant Trainer (AT) with the IFS institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) - www.therapywithalessio.com⁠Jude is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and an Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) with the IFS Institute - www.anchoredinself.co.ukSound editing by Forbes ColemanDisclaimer 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.

In this episode Jude (She/They) and Alessio (He/They) continue their conversation on the Self, which is such a central concept in IFS Therapy. Jude and Alessio dive further into questions of Self or Self-Energy in IFS through a queering lens. They ask, is the Self queer? Where is queerness in the system? And where does the question of the qualities of Self even come from?As Alessio and Jude grapple with this question, they start to think in terms of neurology, parts, Self and physiology to understand where sexuality and gender “come from”, but they end up wondering why there is so much interest in knowing whether the Self is queer or not… is this a legacy burden after all?ContactsJude Carn - https://www.anchoredinself.co.uk/Alessio Rizzo - https://www.therapywithalessio.com/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.

In this episode, Jude (she/they) and Alessio (he/they) with their guest speaker, Ali Bushell (he/him), talk about sexuality and reflect on how we speak about sexuality within the IFS and therapeutic communities.Ali Bushell, IFS Therapist, supervisor and author of the book "The Sex Party Handbook", shares with us his views and perspective on the impact of norms, and in particular heteronormativity, on the discourse about sex and sexuality. What lenses are we seeing sex through, and how does it impact our work with clients? Perhaps the "P of Passion" should be added to the qualities of Self.ContactsJude Carn - https://www.anchoredinself.co.uk/Alessio Rizzo - https://www.therapywithalessio.com/Ali Bushell - https://www.alibushell.com/Ali's book - https://www.alibushell.com/the-sex-party-handbookSound editing by Forbes ColemanDisclaimer 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.

Join Alessio Rizzo and Jude Carn as they kick off a multi-part journey into Queering the Self in Internal Family Systems (IFS).In this episode, they unpack the challenges of defining Self and Self-Energy in IFS, wrestling with the limits of language and why clear definitions matter to some parts of us. They explore self-energy within parts, the Self as energy, and its role as the system’s anchor, leader, or central organiser.This is the first of a series of episodes in which exploring the intersection between the Self, queerness and neurodivergenceJude is an Approved Clinical Consultant and Psychotherapist and can be found at can be found at ⁠www.anchoredinself.co.uk⁠Alessio is an Assistant Trainer with IFSI, an Approved Clinical Consultant and a Psychotherapist, and can be found at www.therapywithalessio.comDisclaimer 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.