Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out

In this expansive and heartfelt conversation, John Clarke sits down again with IFS practitioner and mystically-inclined guide Seth Kopald. What begins as a discussion of Internal Family Systems quickly evolves into something deeper — an exploration of the energetic, ancestral, and spiritual forces that shape who we are. From mystical downloads to subtle energy shifts, Seth shares how he blends IFS with reiki, intuitive knowing, and ancestral connection to help clients heal in multidimensional ways. If you've ever sensed there's "more" going on in a session — or in yourself — this one’s for you.🔑 Key Takeaways:What happens when healing moves beyond the clinical — And why staying curious might unlock more than you expect.The invisible weight you might be carrying — How ancestral legacies and cultural patterns live in your body until you learn to let them go.You’re not imagining it — The energetic connection between practitioner and client is real, and it’s changing how we do therapy.👤 Guest: Seth KopaldSeth Kopald is a certified, Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practitioner with a PhD in Organization Management and a Masters in Education. He’s assisted IFS trainings at all levels, facilitated retreats with Dick Schwartz, and leads his own immersive healing experiences. Seth blends traditional IFS with reiki, Akashic Records, and ancestral healing to help others reconnect with their deeper knowing. He is also the author of Self-Led.Contact & Socials: 📧 seth@sethkopald.com 🌐 sethkopald.com 📸 Instagram: @selfled_by_seth 📘 Facebook: @seth.kopald.ifs📚 Resources & Offerings:➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-yt➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHN💬 Connect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyTranscript[00:00:00] Seth Kopald: And what I think, the way I've thought about it recently is IFS is tapping into things that humans have been using for healing for thousands, maybe millions of years. [00:00:15] John Clarke: Going Inside is a podcast on a mission to help people heal from trauma and reconnect with their authentic self. Join me trauma therapist John Clarke for guest interviews, real life therapy sessions, and soothing guided meditations. Whether you're navigating your own traumGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside, I share my real-time reflections and therapeutic insights while reviewing an IFS demo session with a volunteer client named Ace. With careful attention to pace, consent, and safety, I break down the many micro-decisions made throughout the session — revealing the internal logic and nuance behind the IFS model. Whether you’re a therapist seeking to deepen your client work or someone curious about what an IFS session really feels like, this episode offers a rare and compassionate behind-the-scenes perspective.Key Takeaways:The micro-decisions therapists make throughout an IFS sessionHow to prioritize safety, pacing, and consent with protectorsWhy humility and self-awareness are essential for good therapyGuest: AceAce is an anonymous volunteer client who agreed to participate in this IFS demo session. Her willingness to be vulnerable provides a valuable teaching opportunity for therapists and clients alike.Resources & Offerings:➡️ Register for a FREE IFS Training "From Burnout to Balance": https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyTranscript:John Clarke: [00:00:00] Going Inside is a podcast on a mission to help people heal from trauma and reconnect with their authentic self. Join me trauma therapist John Clarke for guest interviews, real life therapy sessions and soothing guided meditations. Whether you're navigating your own trauma, helping others heal from trauma, or simply yearning for a deeper understanding of yourself, going inside is your companion on the path to healing and self-discovery.Download free guided meditations and apply to work with me one-on-one at johnclarketherapy.com. Thanks for being here. Let's dive in.Hey everyone. Thanks for tuning in. In this, episode, I'm gonna be reacting to an IFS demo that I did, so a real therapy session that I did as part of this show and this, YouTube channel. And so we're just gonna jump right into it. I'm gonna play a bit and then I'm gonna react to it and I'm gonna try to break down, , my decision points, what I was thinking in that moment, what I'm thinking now , things I may do.May have done differently, which is always humbling to, to do this, , and [00:01:00] see my own opportunities for growth. You could call them my own growth edges. , But I do this because I. I hope it's helpful to some, whether you're a client wondering how does IFS therapy work and what is the therapist, what is the role of the therapist?What are they trying to do in session? Or if you're a practitioner wanting to , yeah, improve your own work and deepenGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this soul-stirring conversation, IFS pioneer Bob Falconer returns to explore the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS), spirituality, and trauma healing. We discuss how trauma creates separation, the necessity of spiritual connection in deep healing, and how curiosity can be a transformative force. Bob shares insight from his upcoming books and over 50 years of clinical experience, emphasizing the porous nature of the mind and the healing power of respectful engagement with all parts of the self—both personal and transpersonal. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to open your inner world with compassion and wonder.3 Key Takeaways:A surprising reason why many trauma survivors don’t fully heal—and what might be missing.The two types of curiosity—and why only one leads to transformation.What Bob means when he says “the mind isn’t just multiple... it’s porous.”👤 Guest: Robert FalconerRobert Falconer is a dedicated therapist, teacher, and global educator of the IFS model. Author of The Others Within Us, Bob brings over five decades of experience to his work exploring the porous nature of the mind, particularly in the context of trauma and spiritual experiences. His latest books, Opening the Inner World and Spirit Speaks, delve into the intersection of IFS, mysticism, and healing.Get your copy of Opening the Inner World and Spirit Speaks: https://swedenborg.com/product/opening-the-inner-world/Resources & Offerings:➡️ Register for a FREE IFS Training "From Burnout to Balance": https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast ➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador ➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE ➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this special and deeply personal episode, John Clarke pays tribute to the late Ralph De La Rosa — a gifted author, meditation teacher, musician, and trauma survivor whose voice and message left an indelible mark on the healing community. Through reflections, audio clips, and emotional commentary, John revisits their original interview and shares the impact Ralph had on his life and work. Together, they explore trauma, IFS, Buddhism, and the power of radical self-compassion.Key TakeawaysWhat if healing isn’t about fixing yourself? Ralph shares a radically different view of healing — one that doesn’t start with what’s broken, but with what’s already whole inside of you.Can playfulness be your secret to peace? Discover how reclaiming joy and spontaneity might be the missing ingredient in your emotional healing.Is your “Self” even really yours? Ralph and John explore a mind-expanding perspective on identity, self-energy, and the mysterious overlap between IFS and Buddhist philosophy.About Ralph De La RosaLearn more about Ralph and his work: 🌐 Website: ralphdelarosa.com 📚 Outshining Trauma on Amazon 📱 Instagram: @ralphdelarosa108Resources & Offerings:➡️ Register for a FREE IFS Training "From Burnout to Balance": https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

➡️Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcastIn this powerful episode of Going Inside, trauma therapist John Clarke sits down with award-winning educator Tim Amaral to explore how trauma-informed practices can transform education. Tim shares his journey from martial arts instructor to adult educator, revealing the development of the Self-Led Classroom model and its deep integration of IFS (Internal Family Systems) principles. Together, they discuss how safety, connection, and a sense of belonging are essential for meaningful learning. If you've ever questioned traditional education or wondered how to reach students or clients who’ve been left behind, this episode will expand your perspective—and your heart.🌿 Key takeaways:The true key to academic success and how traditional education often fails the very kids who need it mostHow love, belonging, and attachment show up (or don’t) in classroomsIs it possible for a trauma-informed classroom to flip the script on behavior “management”?Why learning doesn’t happen until attachment does—and how most systems get that backwards.Stay in touch with our guest below: 🗣️ Timothy Amaral Timothy Amaral is an award-winning adult educator and teacher trainer from Salinas, CA. He specializes in the teaching and application of trauma-informed practices, social-emotional skills and needs-based responsiveness for use in the classroom, in the workplace, and in the home. He is the creator of the SELf-Led Learning model.🌐 selfledclassroom.com--- Resources & Offerings:➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcastIn this conversation, John Clarke interviews Brad Mosell, founder and CEO of Dharma Doctor, about Brad’s journey into the mental health field, the development of accessible mental health interventions, and the evolution of their product, which integrates EMDR and bilateral stimulation. They discuss the importance of addressing trauma in educational settings, the role of teachers in mental health, and the future of therapy technology, including the integration of biometrics and AI in therapeutic practices.Key takeaways:Discover how bilateral stimulation is being woven into everyday tools to make trauma-informed care more approachable—even outside the therapy room.Explore how Brad Mosell turned his own healing journey with EMDR into a mission to bring these powerful tools into schools, homes, and underserved communities.Learn why bilateral stimulation works and how it mimics the brain’s natural processing patterns to unlock stuck trauma.Peek into the innovative ways tactile tech is helping clients feel grounded, present, and open to doing deep inner work.Hear how a tech entrepreneur left Silicon Valley to create a company focused on mental health, and why therapists should be paying attention to what's coming next.Stay in touch with our guest below: 🗣️ Brad MosellBrad Mosell is the founder and CEO of Dharma Dr., a company dedicated to improving access to EMDR and bilateral stimulation. A veteran and educator, Mosell combines his technical expertise with a passion for healing, aiming to address the mental health challenges faced by today's youth and adults alike.Instagram: @mydharmadr Resources & Offerings:➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this conversation, John Clarke brings together a panel of colleagues and co-authors to dive into their new book, Opening the Inner World. Together, they explore where Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy meets the spiritual insights of Emanuel Swedenborg. The panel shares their own journeys, the transformative impact of IFS, and how Swedenborg’s teachings on the inner self and divine inflow can deepen our understanding of trauma and healing. They also discuss the nature of consciousness, the power of inner dialogue, and the role of spirit in our lives — highlighting how self-awareness and a connection to the divine can open the door to profound healing and growth.🌿 Key takeaways:Uncover how blending IFS and Swedenborg’s teachings can open new pathways to deep emotional and spiritual healing.See trauma through a new lens by understanding it as part of a larger spiritual experience, not just a psychological wound.Experience a fresh perspective on how your spiritual and physical selves are constantly interacting and shaping your life.Recognize how the illusion of separation keeps us stuck — and how reconnecting with your true self (and helping your clients do the same) brings lasting change.Stay in touch with our guests below: 🗣️ Chelsea Rose OdhnerA lifelong student of Swedenborg’s teachings, Chelsea Rose Odhner has extensive professional experience synthesizing Swedenborg’s teachings into content for a global audience. Combined with her work as a bodyworker, and an IFS practitioner and coach, Chelsea adds a unique and informed perspective to integrating IFS therapy with the system of the spiritual world that Swedenborg describes.🗣️ Robert Falconer A dedicated therapist and teacher of the IFS model, Robert Falconer has contributed significantly to the field through his research and writings. His work focuses on how our minds are not just multiple, but also porous. He brings this lens to IFS, especially in the context of trauma and spiritual experiences.🗣️Jonathan RoseA scholar of Emanuel Swedenborg and Neo-Latin translator, Jonathan Rose has published extensively on Swedenborg’s theological and philosophical ideas. He serves as the Series Editor for the New Century Edition of Emanuel Swedenborg’s Theological Works. His expertise brings a deep spiritual dimension to the book, offering readers insights into concepts in Swedenborg’s spirituality that resonate with IFS.@chelsea.odhner@locusofhealinghttps://robertfalconer.us/@swedenborgfoundationhttps://swedenborg.com/--- Resources & Offerings:➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this episode of Going Inside, host John Clarke sits down with integrative therapy guide Elena Kundro to explore the powerful intersection of hypnosis and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, they unpack how trance states and somatic work can deepen self-awareness and accelerate healing, especially when traditional therapeutic approaches fall short. Elena shares insights from her own personal healing journey, lessons from guiding clients through inner work, and how blending spiritual practices with IFS has transformed the way she helps others reconnect to their true selves.Whether you're a therapist, healer, or someone deep on your own inner path, this episode offers grounded wisdom, practical insight, and soul-deep inspiration.🔑 3 Key TakeawaysIFS and Hypnosis Naturally Complement Each Other Hypnosis can ease clients into deeper states of inner connection, helping them access their self-energy and bypass mental noise, which is particularly helpful for clients who struggle to connect with parts consciously.Healing Gets Harder Before It Gets Easier Elena and John reflect on how beginning the healing journey can feel like learning to walk again—challenging but ultimately freeing.The Real Work Is Being with What Is True healing isn't about fixing yourself. It’s about embracing all parts—including shame, fear, and resistance—with curiosity and compassion.👤 Guest: Elena KundroElena Kundro is an integrative therapy practitioner blending hypnotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic work, and spirituality to guide clients back to their inner truth. With more than a decade of personal healing and over six years of client experience, Elena brings humility, embodiment, and deep wisdom to every session.📲 Connect with Elena:Instagram: @elenakundroFacebook: facebook.com/elenakundYouTube: @elenakundro🧰 Resources & Offerings➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast🧾 Jane Practice Software: 1-month grace period with code JOHN or visit meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador🌱 Grounding Well: Get 10% off with code GWJOHNCLARKE – Visit Grounding Well🧘‍♂️ Dharma Dr.: 10% off with code JOHN – Visit Dharma Dr.🌐 Connect with John: www.johnclarketherapy.com🔗 Follow John ClarkInstagram: @johnclarktherapyTikTok: @johnclarktherapyYouTube: @johnclarktherapyApply to work 1:1: JohnClarkTherapy.comGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this enlightening episode of Going Inside, trauma therapist John Clark sits down with Reiki master and certified sound healing practitioner Boshko Boskovic. Boshko shares how his personal health journey led him to energy work, and how practices like Reiki and sound healing can profoundly support trauma recovery and energetic hygiene. The conversation dives into the science and spirituality behind these healing modalities, the importance of tuning into your own energy field, and practical ways therapists and sensitive individuals can care for their energy in a noisy, high-stress world.3 key takeaways:Energetic hygiene is essential – especially for therapists and healers. Practices like Reiki, sound healing, and Qi Gong help clear and restore the body’s vibrational balance.Your voice is a healing tool – Boshko explains how vocalization and “sounding” can release stuck trauma and support deep emotional processing.Slowing down is revolutionary – Even five minutes of stillness or connection with nature can help us reset and reconnect with our authentic selves.Learn more about Boshko Boskovic here: Website: https://letshealnyc.com Instagram: @letshealnycResources & Offerings: ➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast ➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador ➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE ➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

In this solo episode, I reflect on my recent conversation with Mel Galbraith, the COO of IFSCA, and dive deeper into the challenges of practicing Internal Family Systems (IFS). I talk about the tricky balance therapists often face—how easy it is to show up with the best intentions, but accidentally lead from self-like parts instead of true self-energy. You’ll hear me share some personal insights on why slowing down is so essential in this work, why letting go of an agenda actually helps clients go deeper, and how even seasoned therapists can unknowingly blend with their own parts. I also unpack one of the biggest paradoxes in IFS: when we stop trying to make something happen, that's when real healing starts. This episode is perfect for therapists and coaches who are interested in their own inner healing, as well as the inner healing of their clients.Key Takeaways:Why IFS is “simple but not easy” — and why that matters for therapists and clients alikeThe hidden challenge of self-like parts and how they disrupt therapy without you noticingHow to spot when you (as a therapist) are blending with your own parts during a sessionWhy interventions often backfire — and what IFS teaches us about honoring protector parts-- Resources & Offerings:➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast🧠 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador🌱 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE🧠 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast