Empowered Through Compassion

Laura Patryas, an author, lecturer, and therapist, intertwines her expertise in optometry and metaphysics with her passion for healing through IFS and non-duality. In this heartfelt discussion, she shares a poignant story about baking bread, illustrating the sacredness of everyday moments. Topics range from the transformative power of presence in healing trauma to navigating self-awareness within IFS. Laura also highlights embracing uncertainty as a pathway to fulfillment and the integral role of community in the journey of self-discovery.

What if Mike White’s The White Lotus is more than just a dark comedy television series? What if we look at it as a striking exploration of the human psyche? In a recent episode of the Empowered Through Compassion podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sunni (Sun) Brown, a dynamic IFS practitioner, author of Gamestorming and The Doodle Revolution, and creator of Deep Self Design™. Together, we unpacked the psychological architecture of the show using the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Sunni brings a rare blend of creativity, compassion, and clarity to her work, infusing IFS with elements of Zen, mindfulness, Hakomi, design thinking, with a deep appreciation of the powerful modality of doodling! With over 1.6 million views on her TED Talk, she is no stranger to harnessing storytelling to illuminate complex inner worlds. Our conversation turned The White Lotus from a binge-worthy show into a rich case study of internal dynamics—hypothesizing that some of the repeating themes might even reflect Mike White (the creator) own inner system!

Join IFS master Bob Falconer, who co-authored a book on Internal Family Systems, along with Chelsea Rose Odhner, a licensed massage therapist and IFS practitioner, and Jonathan S. Rose, a scholar of Emanuel Swedenborg's teachings. They delve into the profound connections between IFS and Swedenborg's spiritual insights. The discussion covers the 'middle realm' of angelic guidance, the sacred nature of healing as an ongoing journey, and the transformative power of love and understanding within spiritual evolution. Expect deep reflections on integrating inner and outer realities!

Delve into the transformative world of EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing, where clients are seen as the experts of their own healing journey. Discover how these approaches foster deep connections, guiding clients from ambivalence to meaningful change. Explore the critical relationship between trauma and personal values, and understand the vital role of youth-focused interventions. This engaging discussion unveils the powerful integration of therapeutic strategies that empower clients to overcome challenges and achieve lasting transformation.

Ralph De La Rosa, a teacher, healer, and author of 'Outshining Trauma,' shared profound insights into the fusion of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Buddhism. He emphasized how compassion can transform personal suffering into hope, illuminating the nurturing environment necessary for genuine healing. Ralph's personal journey revealed the importance of confronting discomfort for true growth, while his reflections on therapeutic practices showcased how mindfulness and compassion foster deeper connections and empowerment in therapy. His legacy offers lasting wisdom.

Part 2 with Julian: The Inner Sauron – Power, Possession, and the Psyche In this episode, Julian and I dive deep into The Lord of the Rings through the lens of psychology, mythology, and IFS (Internal Family Systems). We explore the dark allure of Sauron—not just as a villain seeking domination through the One Ring, but as a metaphor for the exiled forces within us all. Julian draws powerful parallels between Sauron and the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli, both powerful spirits who reside in higher realms yet influence human behavior in devastating ways. We reflect on how these archetypes show up in our inner worlds—manipulating, isolating, and consuming us when left unseen. What if Sauron is an inner part we exile, giving it more power? And what if the One Ring acts like an unattached burden—seductive, cursed, and waiting to latch on to vulnerable parts of our psyche? We ask the big question: how do we care for our inner Sauron, and what choices emerge when we do? You can learn more about Julian’s work at https://www.psychedelic-integration.net

It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Julian Bermudez, founder of Psychedelic Integration, about his deeply personal and powerful approach to healing. In this episode, Julian shares his philosophy of psychedelic integration as a sacred return—a coming home to the body, to the heart, and to the version of ourselves that existed before life’s pain forced us to adapt. Through his lived experience and the space he holds for others, Julian invites us to see integration not as a checklist, but as a living, breathing practice of transformation. We explore the idea of purpose, reclaiming value, and the path to remembering who we truly are.

I'm excited to share the latest episode of the Empowered Through Compassion podcast: Part 2 of my conversation with Sid Friedman. In this episode, we delve deeper into Sid's innovative approach to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and his exploration of nonduality. Sid discusses his YouTube channel, Effortless IFS with Sid Friedman, where he offers insights into integrating IFS with nondual awareness. You can explore his videos here: Effortless IFS with Sid Friedman. We also talk about the vibrant online community Sid co-created with Dr. Laura Patryas: the IFS Nondual Community on Facebook. This group serves as a supportive space for individuals interested in the intersection of IFS and nonduality. You can find the community here: IFS Nondual Community. Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the joy of discussing IFS, the importance of connecting with others. We speak aboutn embracing the innocence and beauty of all parts.​ Sid has so much wisdom, and he shares how healing and transformation are accessible through gentle, playful, and profound engagement with our inner world. ​For a fun exploration and brilliant analysis of movie clips, check out: https://effortlessifs.com/movie-clips/.

This episode is part 1 of a beautiful conversation with my dear friend Sid Friedman. Sid-- along with Laura Patryas-- have created an incredible IFS Facebook community called "IFS Nondual Community." Sid shares with me, and the audience, what is meant by nonduality, and how this intersects with IFS. We also speak about NVC-- Nonviolent Communication, and I learn what a pro Sid is in this type of communication! This was such a fun and enjoyable episode-- to Sid, it feels like life is such a celebration, and he really is able to acknowledge the beauty with all of our PARTs. Indeed, how can you have a PARTY without PART? Together, we reflect on what it means to embrace kindness and compassion in our lives, and how we both draw inspiration from the wisdom of Mr. Rogers, John Lennon, the Dalai Lama, and Thich Nhat Hanh (no name a few of our shared heroes).  I invite you on this glorious ride with Sid, and if you want more-- more will be coming very soon (stay tuned for part 2 of our conversation)! 

Families Overcoming Trauma – This Is Us NBC’s This Is Us has resonated deeply with audiences, largely because of its heartfelt portrayal of family, trauma, and healing. The show masterfully illustrates how each family member carries their own pain while remaining connected through love, resilience, and acceptance. It reminds us that healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about learning to live with it, together. In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree, whose journey is a testament to this very idea. When her daughter, Cecilia, was diagnosed with childhood leukemia at just three years old, Laura searched for guidance—a book, an expert, a roadmap. When she realized that no such book existed, she wrote it herself: The Cancer Parent’s Handbook: What Your Oncologist Doesn’t Have Time to Tell You. Through her experience, she uncovered the tools and insights necessary not just to survive, but to thrive during an overwhelming and terrifying time. As Laura and I reflected on This Is Us, we found so many parallels between the Pearson family’s story and her own. The show depicts the way trauma weaves itself into the fabric of a family, shaping identities and relationships in unexpected ways. It also highlights the power of connection—how, even through grief, loss, and struggle, love can be an anchor. Trauma and the Nonlinear Journey of Healing One of the most powerful elements of This Is Us is its nonlinear storytelling. Much like real-life healing, the past continuously intrudes on the present. The audience is transported through different points in time, seeing how early wounds manifest in adult struggles. We watch as Kevin searches for love and self-worth, Randall seeks meaning in his biological roots, and Kate finds healing through music and motherhood. Their journeys are messy, imperfect, and deeply human. At the heart of the series is a pivotal moment—the loss of Jack Pearson, the beloved yet flawed father figure. The show builds up to this revelation, allowing us to witness how his absence shapes each family member in distinct yet connected ways. In a similar way, families facing trauma must navigate their own nonlinear paths, piecing together meaning and strength as they go. Holding Space for Pain and Hope EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that has three prongs of healing-- the past, the present, and the future. This Is Us reflects this process beautifully, showing how the past and present exist simultaneously, influencing each other in ways we don’t always recognize-- impacting the future as well. Laura’s story is a profound example of how trauma and hope can coexist. While no parent would ever choose the experience of childhood cancer, Laura chose how her family’s story would be written. She didn’t deny the pain, but she also didn’t let it define their lives. Instead, she created moments of normalcy, love, and connection amid the fear. Defining Our Narrative The final season of This Is Us centers around the decline of Rebecca’s health, bringing the family together once more in the face of loss. Yet, rather than being consumed by grief, they embrace their love for one another. It is in these moments—where vulnerability is met with compassion—that true healing and connection happens. This is the lesson Laura embodies: even in heartbreak, loss, and tragedy, life doesn’t have to be only about pain. Life can be about something so much more. We can hold space for both sorrow and joy. We can choose to show up, to embrace imperfection, and to construct the narrative that we want to-- one that is rooted in love and family connection. Trauma can break us, or it can unite us. The powerful and aligned message of both Laura’s journey and This Is Us is this: we can walk through whatever life brings us with magnanimity, with courage, and with hope. And at some point, I promise, our heartfelt laughs will be there as well! For more information on Laura, visit lauradekrakerlangreebook.com or follow her on Instagram at @laura_dekraker_langree.