Empowered Through Compassion

In this episode of Empowered through Compassion, I sit down with psychotherapist, trauma expert and peace-journalism pioneer Annabel McGoldrick to explore one of the most urgent humanitarian crises of our time: the crisis in Palestine. We spoke about how healing works, and the importance of connection, balance and equality. Annabel brings together nearly 25 years as a clinician specializing in trauma, EMDR and IFS-informed therapy, alongside her earlier career and passion in peace journalism. She has a deep commitment to opening up dialogue even for difficult and needed topics. We speak about how the silencing by our field, of the horrors that have been going on in Palestine feels antithetical to the healing work we are tasked to do. Together, we explore how the story of Gaza has been told, and discuss how it might be re-told in ways that reclaim the voices of the those who continue to be oppressed and subjugated in this space.  Annabel's event that she is organizing is called "Breaking the Silence: Trauma Therapists Talk about Gaza." Gabor Mate will be the guest of honor. You can buy tickets here:  https://events.humanitix.com/breaking-the-silence-trauma-therapists-talk-about-gaza The event will feature trauma therapists and activists to share wisdom and reflect on what it takes to truly listen to Palestinian voices, to understand deep collective wounds, and to consider how trauma-informed care intersects with humanitarian justice. There will be emotionally powerful conversation, reminding us that amid conflict and pain, we have the power to listen to provide our presence, which are radical acts of peace!  If you’re drawn to conversations that sit at the intersection of power, trauma, identity and hope, this episode is for you! I’m deeply grateful to Annabel for her generosity of voice and for modeling what it looks like to hold suffering with complexity and dignity. You can find out more information about Annabel at her website: https://emdrinsight.com 

In this episode of Empowered Through Compassion, I sit down with clinician-trainer Michelle Richardson, who is the co-founder of the Syzygy Institute. Michelle is a leading voice in integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. We explore how these two powerful models can be woven together to create deeper healing. Michelle shares how she has found how creating space and building meaningful relationships with protector parts can in itself be extremely healing. Whether you’re an EMDR therapist looking for parts-work fluency, or an IFS practitioner exploring reprocessing protocols, this episode offers actionable insights, clinical humility & relational depth. Tune in to find out how you can deepen your clinical toolkit, and expand your confidence in parts-informed trauma work.   Syzygy: https://www.syzygyinstitute.com/   Michelle's Practice: https://mindfulsoulwellbeing.com/   #EmpoweredThroughCompassion #ETCmodel #IFS #EMDR #IFSInformedEMDR #SyzygyInstitute #TraumaTherapy #TherapyTraining #PartsWork #TraumaInformed

In this episode of I speak with Musenge Luchembe, a gifted ecotherapist, licensed psychotherapist, and IFS-certified clinician who was a program assistant when I took my IFIO (Intimacy From the Inside Out) training. In this episode, Musenge and I dive into how nature and the natural world can support deep healing, bringing together her work in ecotherapy, somatic modalities and couples work. She shares reflections on how being held by the land, the elements, and relational attunement fosters integration and opens the way toward wholeness. You can find more about Musenge on her website: Musenge.com

Here is a special bonus to the upcoming episode with Musenge Luchembe. Throught this special ecotherapy meditation, she invites us to become a non-human being, and reconnect with nature's deeper and majestical powers.  This invites us into a space within that is quiet, spacious and alive.  It's one of those moments you'll want to keep revisiting. And each time you return, you'll be able to find something new. 

Music is more than just sound, it’s a universal language that connects us and heals us. In this episode, I sit down with Alison Hughey, a gifted music therapist who brings people together through the power of music. From adults who are neurodivergent and struggle with stillness, to individuals living with dementia, Alison creates pathways of safety and belonging through sound. Our conversation explores how music reaches the into the unconscious parts of us, and deep into our body and stirs powerful memories and emotions. Alison shares how the nervous system can be calmed through melodies, beats, lyrics, singing and movement.  We also talk about music as a tool for emotional expression. For trauma survivors, songwriting or playing music can help release a variety of feelings from anger to grief to anxiety. For those with dementia, familiar songs can connect them to happy moments in their past.  Alison’s dogs even joins the conversation, adding to the ambience and authenticity of the episode by singing their own rendition of, “Let’s All Bark at the Lawn Mower Guy.” It was such a pleasure speaking with Alison about music, and taking a deeper dive into the magic of music therapy.  Find out more about Alison: On Instagram: @composeyourselfcare On the web: Carolinamusictherapy.com

This special bonus episode features a guided meditation from Corey, continuing our conversation from Part 2. Corey invites us into his "IFS Love Practice" demonstrating how he connects with his parts in a very accepting and compassionate way. This meditation is a powerful tool for inner healing, and I hope this inspires you to take some time to experience a deep connection within.    #IFS #Meditation #InnerHealing #GuidedMeditation #SelfCompassion #MindfulnessPodcast #TraumaHealing

In this second conversation with Corey Busch, we explore the difference between using Internal Family Systems (IFS) for healing and for awakening. Corey has developed what he calls the IFS Love Practice, a way of blending mindful meditation with IFS. In this practice, a part is accepted just the way it shows up. It does not need to relax back, or change, or be healed. It already is OK. Together, we reflect on: * How awakening can be a practice of settling into what is already here, rather than striving for change. * How mindful meditation can be used in IFS to reassure parts that they are welcome exactly as they are * The invitation to parts that they can change or not change (however they see fit). * The many “flavors” of love, and the ocean-like OK-ness of Self. This conversation reminds us that love and acceptance aren’t something our parts need to earn, but rather they can "awaken to" and feel how this energy is already around them.  To find out more about Corey, check out his website: coreybusch.com/ We also celebrate our love and admiration for Sid, who can be found here: effortlessifs.com    #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #PartsWork #SelfHealing #TraumaHealing #Mindfulness #Meditation #Awakening #SelfAcceptance #Compassion #HealingJourney #Podcast

In this inspiring conversation with Corey Busch, we explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) opens the door to deeper spiritual connection and relational healing. Together, we reflect on the gift of seeing our inner multiplicity and how this awareness naturally connects us to our family, our community, and even to the spiritual universe. Corey shares how meaningful Christian centering prayer was for him. This contemplative practice of silently resting in a sacred word became a lifeline for Corey during when he was struggling with physical pain and traditional mindfulness was not fully working. Through centering prayer, Corey discovered that he could “come home to Self” without asking parts to step aside. There was an abiding and always present love that Corey found within himself. Rather than going through all the formal steps of IFS, Corey found a way to simply relax, unblend, and return to the OK-ness of Self. This was not something that he used to replace IFS (he still loves this model) but rather, it was something to augment IFS. This shift revealed another way to unblend from parts. Rather than asking to see if they would relax back, or even witnessing them, Corey was able to just spend time appreciating the divine presence and unconditional love all around him. This is part one. Part two is a conversation with Corey about his “IFS Love Practice” which outlines his gentle and effortless way to reconnect with Self.   Key Insights in this Episode: Multiplicity opens us to interconnectedness. Centering prayer as a doorway to Self. Self as abiding love, always here, beneath parts’ striving. Effortless IFS: resting in Self without an agenda. Spontaneous healing through simple awareness.   #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #SelfLeadership #CenteringPrayer #ChristianMysticism #SpiritualHealing #PartsWork #TraumaHealing #AbidingLove #ContemplativePractice #Mindfulness #SpiritualityAndTherapy #IFSCommunity #HealingJourney #SelfEnergy #CompassionateHealing #Wholeness #EffortlessIFS #EmotionalHealing #PodcastForHealing

In this conversation with Kathy Couch and Tamera Brown, we explore what it really means to move from competition to collaboration in the healing professions. Too often, therapists feel pressured to compare themselves to others, and start feeling better than, less than, not enough... As Tamera beautifully describes, healing is a tapestry: and all of our voices matters. Every one of us, whether we are therapists or clients (or both) have something unique and valuable to offer.  Kathy brings her wisdom from working with the original EMDR text, showing therapists how to stay grounded in the foundations while also translating them into meaningful, accurate notes. Her work reminds us that documentation isn’t just paperwork; it’s part of the therapeutic process itself. We discuss the wisdom of Dr. Arielle Schwartz, and bringing in awareness of our own nervous-system.  This episode is an invitation to honor your uniqueness and value and feel welcomed into the healing EMDR space!  Find out more about Tamera and Kathy's Journey Through the Eyes Podcast here: https://www.rewired360.com/podcasts/journey-through-the-eyes-an-emdr-podcast   Find out more about Kathy's Rewired360 here: https://www.rewired360.com   #WoundedHealer #HeartOfEMDR #TherapistCommunity #HealingTapestry #EMDRTherapy #CollaborationOverCompetition

In this episode, I sit down with Stacy Ruse, LPC, a visionary therapist and consultant who beautifully integrates EMDR with Internal Family Systems (IFS), weaving in somatic and spiritual practices. Stacy describes how the structured brilliance of EMDR provides a foundation for trauma healing, while the soulful depth of IFS brings creativity, compassion, and transformative energy into the process. Together, these approaches create a powerful synergy to honor both the nervous system and the client’s inner world of parts. Stacy shares how EMDR’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model was a game-changer in understanding trauma for her. When we add this with IFS we can invite an ongoing relationship with our authentic Self, and with the parts of our psyche. Self-energy is like a tuning fork, and our job as therapists can be to help clients resonate with their Self, and be the guides for their healing. Bilateral stimulation (BLS) can be used to connect with protectors, honoring their positive intentions and empowering clients by continually checking in with what feels right for their system. As Stacy reminds us, in both EMDR and IFS we set an intention, but then step out of the way, allowing the client’s system to lead. Beyond her clinical work, Stacy offers training, workshops, and consultation for therapists around the world. She teaches IFS, EMDR, somatic approaches, and polyvagal-informed practices through live courses, retreats, and even cruise-based learning experiences. She provides both individual and group consultation, helping clinicians integrate EMDR, IFS, and somatic wisdom into their practice. Stacy also shares free resources, meditations, and videos through her website and social media, and she is currently developing two books slated for release in 2026. Stacy’s passion is contagious—reminding us that EMDR and IFS are more than just models; they are pathways to deep compassion and creativity. Learn more about Stacy’s offerings at stacyruse.com and follow her on Instagram @aglowcounseling.