IFS Talks

Cece Sykes, a senior trainer at the Internal Family Systems Institute with over thirty-five years of experience in trauma recovery, discusses the nature of 'exiles' in therapy. She explores how these vulnerable parts represent past traumas and the importance of compassionate engagement for healing. The conversation highlights the impact of childhood trauma on psychological well-being, the process of unburdening oneself, and the significance of a safe therapeutic space. Cece emphasizes self-discovery and the transformative power of vulnerability in achieving emotional wellness.

Paul Neustadt is an IFS Senior Co-Lead Trainer. He has taught workshops on The Gifts of our Exiles, The Power of Presence in IFS; Self Led Parenting; and a number of other topics. He teaches a monthly seminar for level 1 graduates focused on integrating the skills learned in level 1 that begins in October. In his private practice he now focuses on providing individual and group consultation to IFS therapists. For 17 years he was director of a community counseling and prevention program for children, adolescents, and their families. Paul has also worked in a college counseling center and community mental health center, and taught couples and family therapy in a family therapy institute and two graduate programs. As an IFS trainer, Paul creates a safe, accepting atmosphere, attends thoughtfully to group process, and ensures that all parts are welcome. He is known for his clear, down to earth, and open-hearted manner.  Natalie Thomas is a Registered Psychotherapist and IFS therapist in private practice and a Professor of Philosophy, specializing in animal and environmental ethics. She has presented and led workshops on the application of IFS for those experiencing climate distress, and on ways IFS can inform ecotherapy and nature-based therapies. She also holds monthly climate cafes and trains others to facilitate these, using an IFS lens. She is a Regional Coordinator for the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America, and her current research is focused on the creation of an IFS-informed approach to climate-aware therapy. Parts & Self has published two of her pieces on IFS and animals, and IFS and climate distress. Additionally, she has also been featured in an episode of ‘The One Inside’ which focused on IFS, Self and our connection to nature, and has presented at the latest IFS Conference on IFS, climate distress and ecotherapy. Her private practice specializes in the use of IFS for those suffering from trauma, grief and climate distress, and she also offers workshops, retreats and trainings in these areas. Here a link to Natalie's website and Climate Cafes  

In this episode, we welcome Ana Morante, Ann-Katrin Bockmann, and Mary Petro to discuss the topic of Self-led motherhood. They will be sharing several important projects that integrate IFS principles and techniques to help support mothers around the world, including those at various stages of their motherhood journey and those who are parenting under extremely challenging conditions, such as poverty and life in war-torn regions. Here is a link to the project’s website,  for those interested in joining this project. 

In this engaging conversation, psychotherapist Joanne Twombly shares insights from her revised book on trauma and dissociation, emphasizing strategies for treating complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. She discusses the significance of integrating IFS therapy with phase-oriented treatment, highlighting effective techniques like stabilization exercises and safe space imagery. Joanne also sheds light on the importance of understanding dissociation, patient engagement with internal parts, and fostering a safe therapeutic environment to facilitate healing and emotional integration.

In this conversation with Sarah Bergenfield, a Somatic Psychologist and IFS practitioner specializing in autism, she delves into how IFS therapy adapts to the unique needs of autistic individuals. Topics include the significance of interoception and emotional understanding, the impact of self-energy, and the complexities of masking versus authenticity. Sarah also discusses the role of predictive models in shaping emotional responses and the vital role of reassurance and safety in therapeutic practices. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of autism and therapy!

Our guest today is Sarah Bergenfield, a Somatic Psychologist, and a Level 3-trained and Certified IFS practitioner, specializing in autism. Sarah holds a master’s degree in embodiment studies and wrote her thesis on autism as an embodied condition that impacts the brain, body, and mind. Sarah is a student in the Applied Neuroscience program at Kings College in London and begins her Ph.D. in Psychology in September at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is a wife, mom to three children, and dog mom to Magnus, her assistance dog. Sarah is the co-author of the book, Embodying Autism – Navigating your Autistic Brain, Body, and Mind, written with Martha Sweezey and published next year by New Harbinger. She is an international speaker and educator on the topic of understanding autism as an embodied condition. We will be speaking with Sarah about the nature of autism (Episode Part 1) and (Episode Part 2) how IFS concepts and techniques can be understood through the lens of autism, how IFS therapy can be helpful for autistic clients, and some special considerations to keep in mind when working with autistic clients with IFS.  Hope you enjoy the episode and find it useful.

Dr. Dick Schwartz discusses the unique concept of the self in the Internal Family Systems Model, exploring topics like the Dual Nature of Self, Self's 'Loving Agenda', Unblending and Privilege in IFS, Biological Basis of the Self, Role of the Self in Therapy, Vulnerability, Communication, and accessing Self Energy for Inner Harmony.

Joanne Twombly, a seasoned psychotherapist, shares her extensive knowledge on trauma and dissociation. She highlights the significance of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in treating complex PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder. The discussion covers innovative coping strategies, including safe space imagery, and the need for empathy within therapeutic settings. Joanne also emphasizes the importance of navigating nonverbal communication, creating a safe environment, and fostering communication with clients' younger parts for effective healing and integration.

Melissa Mose, a specialist in OCD treatment, discusses integrating IFS into OCD therapy, the challenges of treating OCD, and how IFS enhances traditional interventions. Topics include brain glitch theory in OCD, treating protective parts, trust-building in therapy, and promoting IFS-informed approaches to OCD.

Psychotherapist Einat Bronstein discusses the healing process of exiles in IFS therapy. Topics include connecting with exiles, dealing with protectors, integrating exiled parts, confronting pain in therapy, healing preverbal exiles through redo experiences, inner child healing, unburdening negative beliefs, the integration process, embracing exiled grief, and exploring the universality of exiles and collective trauma.