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.

Paul Neustadt, an experienced IFS therapist, discusses finding one's unique way in the IFS model. Topics include embracing skepticism, recognizing therapeutic limitations, importance of negative reactions, finding connection in therapy, embodying self-energy, and future workshop plans.

Having worked in community mental health at the outpatient department of the Cambridge Health Alliance for 18 years as a therapist, supervisor and the associate director of the DBT program, Martha Sweezy experienced with a wide variety of mental health challenges, many related to the sequelae of trauma. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and a clinical and program development consultant at Cambridge Health Alliance. Until January, 2015, Martha was the Associate Director and Director of Training of DBT at Cambridge Health Alliance. In addition to being the author of several articles, Martha is a co-editor or co-author of eight books related to IFS (see Publications), and co-leads (with Toni Herbine-Blank) workshops for IFS trained therapists on shame and self-compassion, fondly nicknamed “Shame Camp” by participants. Martha has an online private practice.

Bob Falconer, an accomplished IFS practitioner and author, dives deep into the spiritual dimensions of healing in his latest discussion. He reveals the concept of unattached burdens and its transformative effects on therapy. Bob shares insights from a powerful session involving a malevolent entity, exploring how such experiences intersect with personal identity. He emphasizes the importance of Unburdened Parts in healing and advocates for a more porous understanding of the mind, ultimately blending psychology with spirituality for profound trauma recovery.