
Empowered Through Compassion
Discover the inner landscape of healing. Join me on a transformative journey through the heart of mental health, where psychology and spirituality form a path towards inner peace and full authenticity. Blending the powerful frameworks of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), this podcast explores how healing takes place; how we can deeply connect with our true Self and others. Whether you’re a therapist, a seeker, or simply curious—come join us on this awesome ride!
Latest episodes

Mar 1, 2025 • 40min
Athena Phillips, Back to the Future, and Trauma
Welcome to this episode, where I am thrilled to be speaking with Athena Phillips about dissociation, the difference between coaching and therapy, and Back to the Future.
Athena shares how IFS and EMDR can be complementary, but caution is needed when using EMDR with dissociative clients.
Coaching and therapy have distinct roles, and in her business Athena has found a very symbiotic relationship between coaches and therapist for clients.
We speak about Back to the Future, and some of the ways this movie represents trauma healing. We even bring in current world events, and how societal disconnection reflects challenging but potentially transformative period of collective growth.
Enjoy this wonderful episode, and if you would like to find out more information on Athena, check out her company here:
https://traumacenternw.com/

Feb 23, 2025 • 47min
Jennifer Blanchette Burn out and Severance
Therapist Burnout – A Systemic Issue, Not a Personal Failure
🎬 Pop Culture Connection: Severance – A dystopian take on work-life balance
How our ‘work part’ is at risk of burnout when it is not given the emotional support and care that it needs.
📊 Burnout by the Numbers:
60-66% of workers report feeling burnout
30-70% of therapists experience burnout (especially post-pandemic)
Some exploitive telehealth companies pay a s low as $30/hour
🛑 Signs of Burnout
Emotional depletion
Compassion fatigue
Mental health struggles
Shame & isolation
Why Are Therapists at High Risk?
High emotional demands
Exploitative telehealth practices
Cultural pressure to and shame around feeling depleted
Financial stress (student debt, low pay)
How to Recover & Prevent Burnout
Take real breaks to reset your nervous system
Avoid toxic work environments (consider local practices over telehealth)
Try digital minimalism (set screen boundaries)
Seek support – burnout is NOT a personal failure
Give yourself permission to leave your job, (even the profession), if necessary
💡 Join the Conversation:
🗣️ Have you experienced burnout as a therapist or in another helping profession? Share your story in the comments or on The Therapist Burnout Podcast!
🔗 More resources at DrJenBlanchette.com

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ned Johnson and Bringing Compassionate into Schools and Test Prep
A re-uploaded version.
Welcome to this new episode. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ned Johnson, a wonderful educator, author, and speaker. He is an expert in helping teens and tweens navigate the transition to adulthood, by bringing them the tools they need to be both successful and happy.
Ned has found that some of the leading causes of poor test performance is the stress and pressure that youths feel to get good grades, and perform well. What is the solution? Can the solution really be as simple as helping youth feel connected, getting them to appreciate their inherent self-worth, and having more fun? Check out this episode to hear some of Ned's insights into this important and fascinating topic!
Check out Ned's amazing services at PrepMatters
Check out Ned's wonderful Podcast "PrepTalks" here
Find Ned's books here

Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 15min
Jan Broberg, Embodiment of Hope, Faith and Charity
I had the honor of sitting down with the Jan Broberg on my podcast.
We spoke about her powerful story, the real-life events behind Peacock’s hit series A Friend of the Family, and how she turned unimaginable trauma into a message of hope, resilience, and healing.
Jan's spirit is inspiring, as she uses her voice and story to encourage others to tell theirs. This episode shows how light can come from darkness.
You can watch A Friend of the Family on Peacock.
For more information, check out https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/
Here you can find her amazing podcast: https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/podcast/
Find out more about her retreats: https://liveinthe90.com/
#JanBroberg #AFriendOfTheFamily #Podcast #Healing #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #Peacock

Jan 21, 2025 • 42min
Rebecca Kase on EMDR, Polyvagal and Parts Work
It was a pleasure to speak with Rebecca Kase this week on EMDR, Polyvagal and Parts work. She had so many interesting things to share, and I hope you enjoy this episode.
Warmly,
David
Find out more about Rebecca here:
https://www.rebeccakase.com/
https://www.traumatherapistinstitute.com/
You can find her book here: Books by Rebecca Kase

Jan 5, 2025 • 40min
Squid Game Fixed Audio
Here is my second upload for this episode.
My AI attempts were not successful, so I edited this one myself.
Sorry for any confusion.
It was such a pleasure to speak with Victoria Anderson, a friend and classmate from IFS-Level one training.
We speak about our experience, and then we compare it to... yep, the Squid Game.
Luckily our experience was nothing like the Squid Game, except for some nerves when we started the class.
We speak about some of the parts (that we are constructing) inside some of the fictional characters of Squid Game.
If you want to find out more about Victoria, please check out her website at:
https://www.centeredselftraumatherapy.com/
Warmly,
David

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 5min
Andrew Dobo Discusses the Hero's Journey and EMDR
In this episode, Andrew Dobo joins me to speak about EMDR, the Hero's journey and Jung.
It was such an honor to have a conversation with Andrew who is a well respected EMDR trainer and an accomplished author.
His books include, "The Hero's Journey: Integrating Jungian Psychology and EMDR Therapy"
and, "Unburdening Souls at the Speed of Thought: Psychology, Christianity, and the Transforming Power of EMDR."
Check out Andrew Dobo's Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@drandrewdobo
He is the founder of EMDR Trainers. Find out more about this organization here: https://emdreducators.com
He has so much wisdom to share, and his passion for EMDR really comes through in this conversation!

Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 19min
Sandra Paulsen-- A Leader in EMDR, a Healer, and an intuitive Songoma
It was such an honor to speak with Sandra Paulsen, and to learn from her wisdom. In the podcast, Sandra shared how she went to see a traditional healer, known as a Songoma. This healer turned to Sandra and said, "Why come see me? You are Songoma too!"
We dive into EMDR, and Sandra even shares some of her thoughts on IFS therapy. Sandra shared how she definitely uses parts work, but sees this through the lens of Ego States.
We speak about some of Sandra's amazing books, which include:
"When There Are No Words: Repairing Early Trauma and Neglect From the Attachment Period With EMDR Therapy"
"Looking Through The Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients"
"The Beauty and Burden of Autism: Illustrated Guide and Workbook in Color"
"Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Towards an Embodied Self"
"Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapies and the Drum"
Of course, we also speak about the incredible cartoons and art of Sandra that are throughout her informative and beautiful books!
You can find out more about Sandra Paulsen on her website at:
www.paulsenpsychology.com
Check out Sandra's Etsy's shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/SandraPaulsenPhDArt

Dec 8, 2024 • 1h 12min
Thomas Zimmerman, Comparing Four Blinks with EMDR
On this episode we are speaking with Thomas Zimmerman, Ms.Ed., LPCC, is a mental health therapist who practices in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.
He is an EMDR therapist, consultant and trainer.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, consultant, and trainer.
He is a writer, podcaster as well.
Check out his new book, "EMDR with Complex Trauma" on Amazon.
Check out his Podcast here: www.emdrpodcast.com
Here is his website: www.emdrtom.com
Here is his facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/EMDRResources
We also speak about Thomas' brilliant 4 blink method of Flash.
This is based on an intervention created by Philip Manfield, and you can find out more about Philip on his website: www.philipmanfield.com

Nov 28, 2024 • 53min
Deconstructing Wicked with EMDR and Parts
Episode 51: Deconstructing Wicked with EMDR and Parts
Welcome, and Happy Thanksgiving.
My guest is Dr. Jamie Marich, and we had so much fun "nerding out" over the Wicked movie together!
This was such a wonderful and enriching experience for me.
Here are places you can find more information about Dr. Marich:
www.redefinetherapy.com
www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com
www.jamiemarich.com
You can also check out Jamie's Substack:
https://jamiemarich.substack.com
This will also be on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Y4OyAxciY
Enjoy.
With Peace and Compassion,
David