The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Daphne Fatter for a timely and honest conversation about what so many of us are navigating right now, as therapists, as parents, and as humans living in a polarized and chaotic time. We talk about nervous system overwhelm, numb and checked-out parts, news consumption, activism, community connection, and how to stay grounded when things feel "too much." We also touch on Daphne's new book: Integrating Internal Family Systems Interventions into EMDR Therapy. In this episode: Why so many of us feel numb, frozen, or checked out right now Normalizing survival responses and protectors during times of stress How polarization shows up both culturally and inside our own systems Staying curious about people with different political perspectives Finding ways to stay informed without burning out on the news Why connection, shared humanity, and community matter so much right now I get blended a few times in this episode and say, "I can't believe I said that." This is such a great example of how quickly any of us can blend with passionate and opinionated parts when navigating stressful topics.  Be sure to check out my extended interview with Daphne over on Substack. About Daphne Daphne Fatter, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist, integrative trauma consultant, author, and international speaker specializing in integrative trauma-informed therapies. She is the author of Integrating Internal Family Systems Interventions into EMDR Therapy and is widely recognized for her expertise in blending parts work with evidence-based trauma modalities. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

Today I welcome David Polidi, Bruce Hersey, and Joanne Twombly on the podcast to talk about their new book, IFS-Informed EMDR: Creative and Collaborative Appraoches. We talk about why this book is needed, what it took to bring together more than 20 contributors, and why integrating these models can create more options, more flexibility, and more hope for clients.  We talk about: Bringing together 21 contributors and creating a true community project Why integration can help when clients get stuck in one modality The idea that there is a natural, underlying healing process beyond any single model  Coping skills, resourcing, and the diverging views on when and how to use them  Joanne's "fire drill" and using IFS to work with therapist countertransference  Why strong foundational training in both IFS and EMDR matters before integrating them  The belief that there is no "perfect model," and that relationship and Self Energy matter most  There's a lot of heart here, a lot of theory, and a lot of love for clients, the field, and each other. I'm excited for you to listen, and be sure to catch my extended interview with them over on Substack. About the Guests Bruce Hersey, LCSW is widely recognized for his work integrating EMDR and IFS. Together with Michelle Richardson, he created the Syzygy Institute, which offers training and certification in IIE. Bruce is an Approved Consultant in EMDR and an IFS Approved Clinical Consultant, providing individual and group IFS and IIE consultation. He has led numerous IFS workshops and presented at the IFS International Conference, as well as EMDRIA and international EMDR conferences.  www.syzygyinstitute.com, www.brucehersey.com, and www.emdrifs.com. David Polidi, LICSW, M.Ed. is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Certified EMDR Consultant in Training, and has also been trained in IFS. He has worked with children and families since 2000 and has been in private practice for the past five years. David developed and facilitates the online couples workshop Deepen the Conversation, and hosts the podcast Empowered Through Compassion, where he speaks with innovators in psychology about integrating EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-healing approaches. www.empoweredthroughcompassion.com. Joanne H. Twombly, LICSW is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years of experience working with Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. She is a Certified EMDR Consultant and an IFS Certified Therapist. Joanne is a Trauma and Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program Facilitator and a Clinical Hypnosis Consultant. She is the past president of the New England Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and has received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, where she is also an ISSTD Fellow. Joanne recently published Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems: How to Successfully Treat Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. www.joannetwombly.net. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

Today's episode is a little different, in a really wonderful way. I sit down with Dick Schwartz and Jeanne Catanzaro, President and Vice President of the IFS Institute, and partners in both leadership and life. This isn't a traditional interview; it's more like listening in on friends and colleagues talking about the things they care about, the serious, the personal, and the very human. I've been feeling curious about what's happening inside IFS leadership right now. The model keeps growing, reaching more people, and carrying more responsibility with it. I wanted to hear directly from Dick and Jeanne about what that growth and momentum have been like for them, not just in terms of roles and plans, but personally and as partners. In this candid conversation, we explore questions many of you have been holding. What happens as the Institute grows? Is Dick going to retire? What does transition even look like? We talk about all of that, but in a funny, sometimes ridiculous, and very real way. What I hope you hear is the care, thoughtfulness, and humanity behind the scenes of both the IFS Institute and the IFS model. We talk about: Jeanne stepping into leadership and visibility over time What it means to steward a model that's bigger than any one person Succession, responsibility, and caring for the future of IFS Collaboration and "sharing the stage" Knowing when to take a break from "parts talk" Bringing IFS beyond the therapy room and into the wider world Holding research, spirituality, and accessibility at the same time Finding balance between work, partnership, family, and rest Favorite shows, hobbies, and Firefighter behaviors There's a lot of warmth here, some laughter, a little potty talk, and plenty of insight. Links: IFS Institute Jeanne Catanzaro Dick Schwartz Word of the Year on Substack Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Unblend.me web app. You know those moments between sessions when something comes up and you need a gentle nudge to pause, slow down and go inside? The Unblend app helps you do just that. It's IFS informed, HIPAA compliant, and guides you through checking in with your parts to calm your nervous system. Learn more and try it for free at Unblend.me About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

We all feel numb sometimes. Our numbing parts protect us from stress, pain, and overwhelm. But what happens when numbness lingers? As we kick off The One Inside's seventh season, Jeff and I share what we've learned about working with numbing parts. We led a workshop at the recent 2025 IFS Annual Conference called Why Check In When You Can Check Out: A Self-Led Approach to Numbing Parts. In this episode we walk you through the highlights of our workshop and share a few of the insights we brought home from the conference. We discuss: What I discovered about numbness, embodiment, and grief this past year Numb parts are "invisible protectors" and why simply naming the numb matters The compounding opportunity costs of numbing and what we miss when we spend too much time checked out The grief of emerging from numbness How numbness shows up across generations and cultures The NUMB framework we created for reconnecting with Self I keep returning to this slide from our deck: Our protectors think they're saving our lives, but sometimes they're quietly stealing our vitality. I share a lot about my numb season, and how naming the "nothing" became a game-changer. I hope as you listen you'll notice your own ways of checking in and checking out and name the places where numbness shows up for you. Episode Sponsors This week's episode is sponsored by:  Pisgah Coaching Institute: Founded by IFS-trained master coach Brian Jaudon, a pioneer in the integration of IFS and coaching for more than two decades. Brian and his faculty teach a blended methodology for clarifying and living into a vision of any kind. pisgahcoaching.com Pause With Laura:  Restore Your Self Retreat for IFS Therapists & Practitioners at Kripalu, October 19-22, 2025. Download FREE IFS Resources from Laura (PDF & guided meditations). Join our Pause with Laura community for monthly Parts Reflections and deals on upcoming offerings. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do. Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, live events, meditations, and extended interviews. Find merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch select clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS coach who helps practitioners create with confidence and clarity. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

In this episode I chat with Joe Bielling, a Level 3 IFS practitioner, licensed therapist, and co-author of From Broken to Badass. We talk about what happens when coping, adapting, and belonging slowly pull us away from ourselves, and how to find your way back. Joe shares parts of his personal story, including a period he describes as a mental breakdown and spiritual awakening, and how IFS helped him slow down, notice his parts, and reconnect with his body, heart, and Self Energy. We discuss: Self-forgetting, people-pleasing, and the "chameleon" strategies of belonging How Enneagram dynamics show up in relationships and identity Unblending as both a psychological process and a spiritual experience Why "the resistance is actually part of the path" How IFS and non-duality can point to more than either-or thinking Why staying "broken" can feel safer to some parts of us Gratitude for coping strategies before trying to change them The question underneath it all: Who is the one behind my eyes? Extended Substack Conversation In the extended interview over on Substack, Joe and I talk about hope, embodiment, trauma, and the Enneagram centers. Joe shares what helps him stay embodied now and where he's finding hope. About Joe Bielling Joe Bielling is a licensed therapist and Level 3 IFS practitioner. He is the co-author with Kate West of From Broken to Badass, a practical IFS based book that helps people break free from high level coping strategies, and old outdated survival patterns, into empowered living. Their work brings together Internal Family Systems, nervous system science, and to help people find real freedom through embodied presence. Joe is also the founder of Unify Yourself — a national collaboration platform exploring the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and community. Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Unblend.me web app. You know those moments between sessions when something comes up and you need a gentle nudge to pause, slow down and go inside? The Unblend app helps you do just that. It's IFS informed, HIPAA compliant, and guides you through checking in with your parts to calm your nervous system. Learn more and try it for free at Unblend.me About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

In this episode I talk with Anna Christine "AC" Seiple about slowing down, embodiment, and what it means to listen to our bodies and our parts.  AC is a licensed counselor and the author of The Sacred Art of Slowing Down. She lives in St. Andrews, Scotland, where she's working on her PhD exploring the intersection of ancient contemplative practices and modern mindfulness.  She shares why she felt called to write her book, how slowing down was not something she chose at first but something life required of her, and how chronic pain, illness, and unexpected disruptions shaped her relationship with her body. She talks honestly about what it's like to move from living primarily in the head, to slowly rebuilding trust with the body. Takeaways from this episode: • why slowing down often happens through life events rather than choice • how disconnection from the body can begin as a survival strategy • the role of self compassion and curiosity when parts resist slowing down • how faith, culture, and early messages can shape our relationship with our bodies • the importance of establishing safety before forcing embodiment • how slowing down and embodiment support parts that have been neglected • what it means to build new "muscle memory" with our nervous systems and parts • how seasons, light, and cycles mirror internal emotional rhythms I loved how she normalized how hard this work can be, and how she reminded us that slowing down does not mean changing who we are or stopping our lives. This conversation felt especially timely as the year winds down, a time when slowing down can feel counterintuitive. We continue part of this conversation in an extended interview for our paid community over on Substack, where we talk more about hope, seasons, and what it looks like to live with greater acceptance of where we are. About Anna Christine Seiple Anna Christine ("AC") is a licensed counselor, retreat leader, and researcher. She loves cultivating healing spaces that honor the entirety of our embodied beings. She holds two master's degrees, one in clinical mental health counseling and a second in ancient languages and is currently working on a PhD at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, exploring conversations between ancient contemplative practices and mindfulness interventions. Her writing, along with free integrative resources, can be found on her website. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

In this episode I talk with Ronda Bonfanti, an IFS client, memoirist, and self-described "IFS cheerleader," who reached out to me earlier this year to share her beautiful memoir, Talk to the Trees: From CPTSD to Loving Me. Ronda has been on a healing journey for more than 25 years. She's done "all the therapies," read over 250 self-help books, and spent years trying to understand why she felt so broken inside, even though her life looked beautiful on the outside. When she found IFS, something finally clicked. We explore: Her early years in therapy and why CBT helped a little but never stuck How discovering IFS gave her a whole new relationship with her inner world Writing her memoir with the support of Frank Anderson and Lissa Rankin The healing power of humor and why she sees it as medicine Journaling as a doorway into parts work What it means to write a letter to shame  Loneliness on the healing path, and her longing to build IFS-aligned community Her dream to combine IFS and pickleball  She also reads one of my favorite chapters from her memoir — a hilarious, moving piece about her early days in therapy, banana splits, and her first meeting with Dr. Frank Anderson.  Ronda is one of those guests who reminds me why we do this work. Her story is tender, courageous, and full of hope. It's a perfect episode for a holiday week. Learn more about Ronda here. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

In this episode, I talk with Max Littman, an IFS therapist, consultant, and writer. Max's new book, Internal Family Systems Therapy for Gay and Queer Men: A Companion for After Coming Out, launched the morning we recorded this conversation. His work centers on attachment, attunement, cultural burdens, and the relational impact of trauma — especially for gay and queer men who are still healing the parts shaped by growing up without safety, guidance, or representation. We talk about why this book matters, the parts that continue to carry burden even after coming out, and the places where Queer identity, family dynamics, and IFS meet.  "Unburdening offers an opportunity to reclaim a personal embodied sense of spirituality, one that honors our inherent worth and belonging." Max shares his own story of growing up without language for his identity, the isolation he felt as a teen, and how those experiences shaped his clinical work. He describes a part he calls "teen without guidance," and the insight that came from recognizing how much that part still needed care. Together, we explore: What coming out doesn't automatically heal The "teen without guidance" part and why it matters How cultural, religious, and family burdens live in the system The longing for belonging and its impact on relationships How IFS helps gay and queer men reclaim sexuality, connection, and choice The role of community, experimentation, and attunement in healing The challenge of navigating adulthood with fewer developmental and relational experiences than many same-aged peers received  Be sure to check out Max's blog that I keep hearing so much about.  And don't miss my extended interview with Max over on Substack for paid subscribers.  About Max Littman Max Littman is an IFS therapist, consultant, and writer based in Oakland. He works at the crossroads of Queer healing, trauma recovery, and attachment. His debut book, Internal Family Systems Therapy for Gay and Queer Men, is available now. Learn more or connect with him at maxlittman.com. Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Unblend.me web app. You know those moments between sessions when something comes up and you need a gentle nudge to pause, slow down and go inside? The Unblend app helps you do just that. It's IFS informed, HIPAA compliant, and guides you through checking in with your parts to calm your nervous system. Learn more and try it for free at Unblend.me About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Angele Close, a clinical psychologist, motherhood coach, and certified mindfulness meditation teacher. Her work weaves together Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and matrescence to help mothers reconnect with themselves and embrace the process of becoming. She opens up about her own season of disconnection in early motherhood and how discovering IFS helped her find language, clarity, and compassion for the parts within. Her upcoming book, Unburdening Motherhood: A Guide to Breaking Cycles, Healing Trauma, and Becoming a Self-Led Mom, offers that same roadmap to others. Together, we explore the parts that push us to be the "good mom," the ones that try to do it all, and how IFS can help us lead ourselves and our families with more Self Energy. In this conversation, we explore: Matrescence is the process of becoming a mom, and why naming it matters The "good mom" parts that push us to do it all How IFS helps mothers understand the parts activated by parenting The tension between control, exhaustion, and letting go What happens when protectors soften and play, pleasure, and community return Whether you're a parent, therapist, or simply curious about how our systems respond to change, this conversation is a gentle invitation to lead with more Self energy in every season of life. About Dr. Angele Close Angele Close is a clinical psychologist, motherhood coach, and certified mindfulness meditation teacher. For more than a decade, she's helped women move beyond fear, perfectionism, and people-pleasing to find confidence and ease in motherhood and beyond. Her work is deeply guided by Internal Family Systems, which she describes as "a roadmap for understanding ourselves, addressing our pain, and finding a pathway to healing." Her new book, Unburdening Motherhood: A Guide to Breaking Cycles, Healing Trauma, and Becoming a Self-Led Mom , is available for pre-order and will be out in January 2026. Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Unblend web application. You know those moments between sessions when something comes up and you need a gentle nudge to pause, slow down and go inside? The Unblend app helps you do just that. It's IFS informed, HIPAA compliant, and guides you through checking in with your parts to calm your nervous system. Learn more and try it for free at Unblend.me About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

In this episode, I chat with Caitlan Siegenthaler, a Level 2 IFS licensed therapist and podcast host who specializes in IFS and Human Design. What I love about Caitlan's work is how she treats both frameworks as paths home to Self. She shares how Human Design entered her life and how she integrates it with IFS to help clients befriend their parts. She recently led a Human Design reading session with Dick Schwartz, founder of IFS.  In this conversation, we explore: How IFS and Human Design work together to help us return to our authentic Self How understanding your Human Design chart can help you connect with your internal system in a whole new way The five Human Design energy types and what they can teach us about our systems How Human Design mirrors IFS as a spiral — a way of returning, again and again, to Self Why curiosity matters more than mastery when exploring new systems We also recorded an extended interview with Caitlan for our paid Substack community about supervision and consultation — why it matters, how to find it, and how it helps therapists bring more of themselves into the room.  You can connecct with Caitlan at caitlansiegenthaler.com, listen to her Return podcast, and check out her free five-episode series on navigating indecision using Human Design and IFS. Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Pisgah Coaching Institute: Founded by IFS-trained master coach Brian Jaudon, a pioneer in the integration of IFS and coaching for more than two decades. Brian and his faculty teach a blended methodology for clarifying and living into a vision of any kind. pisgahcoaching.com About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, live events, meditations, and extended interviews. Find merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with my colleague and friend, Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and creative collaborator. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

How can Internal Family Systems help us prepare for, experience, and integrate psychedelic journeys in a truly Self-led way? And what if Self itself can be the journey, without medicine at all? In this episode, I talk with Nick Brüss, an IFS practitioner and licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in psychedelic-assisted therapy. What I loved about this conversation is how grounded and humble Nick is about the work. He reminds us that psychedelics can open the door, but Self is what does the healing.  Why listen: Many people are curious about how psychedelics and IFS intersect. This conversation goes deeper into integration, humility, and what it really means to let Self lead before, during, and after expanded states. In this conversation, we explore: How IFS can guide and ground psychedelic experiences through Self Energy Why integration, not the journey itself, is where true healing happens How to meet expanded states with curiosity, consent, and care for all parts How to partner with the medicine to turn toward what needs our attention, bringing the same kind of compassion and curiosity we bring to our parts The nervous system and trauma dynamics that often surface after psychedelic experiences How Self can open the same sense of connection and wonder that psychedelics reveal The risks of spiritual bypass and how to stay Self-led  What an ethical, Self-led approach to psychedelic healing looks like Favorite Quotes: "The real question is, are we partnering with the medicine, or are we giving it all the power?" — Nick Brüss "Psychedelics don't heal anyone. They open a window. What heals is the relationship with Self." — Nick Brüss Connect with Nick at www.apracticeoffreedom.com Episode Sponsor Pisgah Coaching Institute: Founded by IFS-trained master coach Brian Jaudon, a pioneer in the integration of IFS and coaching for more than two decades. Brian and his faculty teach a blended methodology for clarifying and living into a vision of any kind. pisgahcoaching.com About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do. Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, live events, meditations, and extended interviews. Find merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch select clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I create The One Inside with my friend, Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner who loves helping clients create with confidence and clarity. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

On today's episode I welcome my friend David Stern to the podcast. This conversation feels so perfect right now. It's full of the kind of hope we all need. David has this beautiful way of seeing the spiritual dimension in everything we do. David calls us to remember our "Pure Soul"—the part of us that is already peaceful and cannot be destroyed. He talks about parts as "angels in disguise," the ones inside that have taken on difficult roles to protect that inner light. If you're looking for a way to stay connected to yourself in a chaotic world, this episode is a sacred reminder that your essence is always already okay. We Explore: Why David looks for the unbridled aliveness in every person he meets. Reimagining our parts as refractions of a primal, divine intelligence. How to hold the "horrors" of the world while still choosing to love our people and stay present. Practicing "remembrance" to help shift out of the noise and back into your heart. About David David Stern, Psy.D. is a licensed psycholgoist, certified IFS consultant, dedicated teacher, and the creator of the Thinking Heart IFS Intensive. He also co-founded IFS Healers, an online Community of Practice designed to foster connection, deepen learning, and build community among IFS practitioners. David has trained hundreds of students worldwide and has presented at the IFS International Conference and consults with practitioners globally. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

This week I talk with IFS therapist and teacher, Kendhal Hart, about the real-world practice of IFS, how she integrates it with EMDR, and her view of IFS as a neurodivergent clinician. Kendhal is the author of Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS, a new book that offers clinicians a practical and compassionate guide to integrating the two models. She shares openly about her recent autism diagnosis and how her neurodifferences shapes the way she understands, lives, and teaches Internal Family Systems. We explore what it looks like to practice IFS in real time, outside of demos, outside of formal training, and inside the small everyday moments where our parts and Self show up. We discuss: Practical IFS steps tailored for neurodivergent minds What's missing in many IFS trainings How EMDR complements the IFS healing steps Befriending parts before moving to Phase 4 of EMDR How to track our internal systems throughout the day How to reflect parts and Self back to clients in simple terms IFS as a lifestyle I didn't want this conversation to end. If you love IFS and want a fresh take on living and embodying it every day, in the real world, this episode is for you. Kendhal's book: Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS: A Clinician's Guide to Integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy with Internal Family Systems About Kendhal Dr. Kendhal Hart is a trainer, consultant, and trauma educator who helps therapists integrate IFS and EMDR. She is known for her nuanced, experiential approach to teaching and for supporting clinicians in developing confidence, clinical intuition, and sustainable practice. About The One Inside I started this podcast to help spread IFS out into the world and make the model more accessible to everyone. Seven years later, that's still at the heart of all we do.  Join The One Inside Substack community for bonus conversations, extended interviews, meditations, and more. Find Self-Led merch at The One Inside store. Listen to episodes and watch clips on YouTube. Follow me on Instagram @ifstammy or on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. I co-create The One Inside with Jeff Schrum, a Level 2 IFS practitioner and coach. Resources New to IFS? My book, The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self, is a great place to start. Want a free meditation? Sign up for my email list and get "Get to Know a Should Part" right away. Sponsorship Want to sponsor an episode of The One Inside? Email Tammy. 

In today's episode, I talk with Dr. Steve Chee, an integrative East-West physician and certified IFS therapist. Steve is offering an IFS continuity program through the IFS Institute this fall called "The Sacred Nervous System," which brings together neuroscience, mysticism, and relational medicine to help people who have been told they are "too much" or "too sensitive". In our conversation Steve shares his personal story of being a sensitive child who felt he had to hide what he loved, and the journey of finding relational safety to heal this dynamic. We discuss the importance of love as the source of healing, and how therapeutic models and theories are simply tools to help us get there. Key takeaways: The connection between our nervous system and protective parts How a relational safety is needed for healing and for parts to come forward The difference between "co-regulation" and "co-revelation" and the role of love in healing Why the therapeutic relationship, not the model, is what truly heals The importance of explicitly naming love and reclaiming the sacredness of every individual   Episode Sponsor: IFS Institute This fall, join IFS thought leader Dr. Steve Chee for a powerful journey into The Sacred Nervous System in the IFS Continuity program through the IFS Institute.  Designed for those who've completed the Online Circle or an IFS Level 1 Training, this program blends somatic awareness, spiritual insight, and IFS wisdom to help you stay grounded in Self energy—no matter what life brings. With monthly teaching videos and live sessions September - December this is your space to deepen your healing and your capacity to support others. Enrollment is open now at ifs-institute.com. Come as you are, stay as you grow with the IFS Continuity program.    About The One Inside: Check out The One Inside Substack community to access episodes, exclusive extended interviews, meditations and exercises, and more.  Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He's a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence. Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.  Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunties on The One Inside Podcast, email Tammy  

In today's episode, I chat with David Hoffman, a lawyer, mediator, and a founding member of Boston Law Collaborative. David was named "Lawyer of the Year" in Boston, and he even teaches at Harvard! I love how he's using IFS to help people with conflict. We talk about how IFS has shifted his focus from getting people to settle, to helping them make Self-led choices. We discuss: How does a lawyer and mediator bring the language of parts into a legal setting? What is the "reasonable reason" behind "unreasonable behavior" in conflict? How can we make decisions from a place of "Self-led" wisdom rather than from our "gladiator parts?" How can simply naming a part change the dynamic of a conversation? David shares an example of how saying "there's a greedy part" shifted a negotiation for the better. How does the IFS model help us understand ambivalence and the "negotiation within" that happens before we even enter a conflict? "There's something we can do here to enable people to manage their conflicts more successfully and to be less fearful and less hateful in the world." —David Hoffman I absolutely loved getting to know David and I'm so glad he's bringing the IFS model to a new audience. He's also offering a new six-week IFS training for lawyers and mediators this fall through the IFS Institute with guest appearances by Dick Schwartz, Mke Elkin, and Fatimah Finney. Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by the Internal Family Systems institute. Join renowned attorney and mediator David Hoffman for a six-week live workshop starting this October. Explore how the IFS model can support lawyers, mediators, and conflict professionals to lead with more clarity, compassion, and Self — with special guest appearances by Dick Schwartz, Mike Elkin, and Fatimah Finney, this program offers practical tools for navigating client engagement, negotiation, and ethical decision-making. Space is limited and live attendance is required. Learn more and register now at ifs-institute.com. About David Hoffman David Hoffman, a mediator, arbitrator, and founding member of Boston Law Collaborative, has been a leading voice in bringing the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model to the legal community since 2010. He holds Level One IFS training and has co-presented with IFS founder Dr. Richard Schwartz. A plenary speaker at the 2022 IFSI Conference, his work has been featured in the Harvard Negotiation Law Review, where he authored a seminal article on "Mediation, Multiple Minds, and Managing the Negotiation Within." In addition to his private practice, he serves as the John H. Watson, Jr. Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, where he integrates the IFS model into his courses. About The One Inside: Check out The One Inside Substack community to access all episodes, exclusive extended interviews, replays of live events, meditations, and more.  Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He's a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who helps therapists create with clarity and confidence. Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.  Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunties on The One Inside Podcast, email Tammy  

On this week's episode, I welcome Bob Falconer, Chelsea Odhner, and Jonathan Rose, the co-authors of the new book, Opening the Inner World. We dive into what it means to be both spiritual and plural. If you've ever found yourself wondering how inner work and spiritual seeking overlap, this episode is for you. We explore: What happens when we bring the language of parts into our spiritual lives? Can the concept of "Self Energy" connect with notions of divine presence? How does the idea of God resonate differently for various people and their inner parts? How can IFS be a deeply spiritual path without becoming dogmatic? What do we do when belief itself feels like a burden or triggers our inner system? Favorite Quotes: "When people bring in a spiritual experience or a spiritual concept, I don't want to assume that I know what that means for them." —Bob Falconer "Sometimes in spiritual direction, a part is the one that's praying. And that prayer needs to be honored and held and heard." —Chelsea Odhner Find their book here: Opening the Inner World  Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Pisgah Coaching Institute. Founded by IFS-trained master coach Brian Jaudon, a pioneer in the integration of IFS and coaching for more than two decades. Brian and his faculty teach a blended methodology for clarifying and living into a vision of any kind. Learn more at pisgahcoaching.com. About the Guests: Chelsea Rose Odhner is a lifelong student of Swedenborg's teachings with extensive professional experience synthesizing his ideas. 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 is a dedicated therapist and teacher of the IFS model who 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 Rose is a scholar of Emanuel Swedenborg and Neo-Latin translator who 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. About The One Inside: Check out The One Inside Substack community to access all episodes, exclusive extended interviews, replays of live events, meditations, and more.  Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He's a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence. Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.  Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunties on The One Inside Podcast, email Tammy  

In today's episode, I talk with Michael and Leela Hunter, the creators of UpSpiral Life — a year-long program and community that combines IFS, manifestation, and neurofeedback. We explore what manifestation really means through an IFS lens, how subconscious parts shape our experience, and why "feeling good" is a nervous system state we can track and train. Our conversation explores how IFS intersects with manifestation, nervous system states, and the beliefs our parts hold about what's possible. Key takeaways: How parts influence what we manifest Self Energy as a measurable frequency Why some protectors are allergic to "feeling good" How neurofeedback can support deeper IFS work Shifting vibration is getting curious about what's happening inside Michael is the founder of UpSpiral.Life, a program and community that helps people move from burnout and disconnection into greater flow, purpose, and alignment. With a background in acupuncture and the arts, Michael guides clients through personal transformation by challenging modern conditioning and helping them reconnect with what truly matters. Leela is an IFS therapist, consultant, and the Clinical Director of UpSpiral.Life. She supports clients in exploring limiting beliefs and emotional burdens with compassion and curiosity. As an Afghan Muslim woman with over 15 years of experience, Leela brings cultural depth and personal insight to her healing work. Don't miss my extended interview clip with Michael and Leela on The One Inside Substack.  Episode Sponsor: Pause With Laura ✨ Give your hard working parts some rest by joining Laura Schmidt, seasoned IFS therapist, for a restorative IFS retreat this Fall at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. September 14-19 IFS & LifeForce Yoga Retreat for all October 19-22  Restore YourSelf Retreat for IFS Professionals 👉🏼 Visit PauseWithLaura.com for all the details and a care package of FREE IFS resources! 🎁   About The One Inside: Check out The One Inside Substack community to access all episodes, exclusive extended interviews, meditations and exercises, and more.  Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He's a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence. Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.  Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunties on The One Inside Podcast, email Tammy  

In this week's episode, I sit down with my friend Julie Honeycutt, a licensed professional counselor, certified IFS therapist, and approved clinical consultant. Julie has been integrating faith and counseling for over 20 years, and in this conversation, we explore how our attachment styles, parts, Enneagram, and developmental stages all shape our prayer life and spiritual connection. Julie shares that our attachment patterns and spiritual experiences are deeply linked, and how IFS offers a pathway to spirituality and how our different parts, even those with doubts We explore the idea that prayer doesn't have to look a certain way. It can show up in movement, in gardening, in painting, or even in those "texting prayers" we send up throughout the day. As Julie says, "What would it be like if our prayer life could reflect the unique way that God made us?" Julie also introduces the idea of the "levels of faith" and how parts of us may sit at different levels. Some of our parts may still hold early beliefs that we've outgrown, but they are still worthy of attention and care.  We talk about: How our parts have different attachment styles in prayer Why anxious parts often get exiled in spirituality The connection between the Enneagram, personality, and prayer How our developmental stage impacts how we experience faith Why meeting ourselves in our prayer life without shame changes everything How gardening and movement can be a spiritual practice Julie reminds us that all parts are welcome: "Even that part is welcome." About Julie: Julie Honeycutt is a licensed professional counselor, certified IFS therapist for over 15 years and an Approved Clinical Consultant for the IFS Institute. She's been practicing the integration of faith and counseling for over 20 years in her private practice as well as in workshops and retreats. Through stillness-of-mind exercises (what the early Christians called hesychasm), she guides her clients in learning how to discern God over the crowd of voices inside all our parts!  And, she has a myriad of free writings and resources on her website.   About The One Inside: Check out The One Inside Substack community to access all episodes, exclusive extended interviews, meditations and exercises, and more.  Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. Jeff Schrum produces The One Inside. He's a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence. Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.  Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunties on The One Inside Podcast, email Tammy  

On this week's episode I'm thrilled to have my friend and colleague, Dave Adamusko, join me to demystify "direct access"—a powerful technique that allows IFS practitioners to speak directly to a client's parts. Dave and I dive deep into why direct access is so essential, especially for clients with trauma histories or deeply blended parts who might struggle with more traditional "insight" methods. Dave leads me in a brief session to demonstrate explicit direct access, engaging with a part of me that was feeling annoyed and ignored, and we trace its origins back to a childhood experience. It was such a profound experience! In this episode, you'll discover: What "direct access" truly means, both for clinicians and for those of us simply navigating our inner worlds. How direct access facilitates quick unblending, befriending, and the gathering of powerful insights. Why practicing direct access, even with "easier" clients, is crucial for mastery (and something I'm always working on myself!). The fascinating connection between direct access and other experiential techniques like Gestalt empty chair and psychodrama. The important distinction between explicit and implicit direct access. And be sure to check out my extended interview with Dave exclusively on Substack.   About Dave Adamusko: Dave Adamusko, LMFT is a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, and approved IFS Consultant with a private practice in Mesa, AZ. He has been involved in the IFS community since 2015 and has had the privilege of being a Program Assistant for numerous Level 1 trainings as well as a frequent PA for Frank Anderson's L2 Trauma and Neuroscience training. In addition to his therapy private practice he also works as a Guide for Onsite Workshops where he combines his passion for IFS with experiential techniques to create dynamic personal growth workshops. Dave's variety of interests and ADHD have led him to create several passion projects that include (but not limited to): IFS leadership consulting, Experiential Couples Intensives, and recently added, IFS Based Post-Psychedelic Integration Groups.       Episode Sponsor: Life Architect ✨ Get access to 3 IFS webinars organized by Life Architect (featuring Einat Bronstein, Kay Gardner & Robert Falconer, and Ann Sinko) and receive a 30% discount on selected IFS workshops: https://lifearchitect.com/tammy/ ✨   About The One Inside: Check out The One Inside Substack community to access all episodes, exclusive extended interviews, meditations and exercises, and more.  Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He's a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence. Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.  Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunties on The One Inside Podcast, email Tammy  

What if the magic in parenting doesn't happen in the moment you get it right, but in the moment you come back and repair? This week, I talk with educator, children's book author, and Self-led parent Anna Purpero, and I just loved this conversation so much. Anna has two little boys and a big heart, and she shares so honestly about what happens when our protectors take over in parenting and how IFS helped her find a new way forward. We talk about: What happens in our bodies when our kids fight (and why we feel like we're in danger) Why repair — not perfection — is the real magic The power of separating "who I am" from "what I do" in parenting and beyond How Anna uses playful language like "my volcano's bubbling up" to talk to her kids about parts Why naming a part doesn't mean avoiding responsibility...it helps kids (and grownups) take more Why real apologies only come after shame has lifted How her creative work flowed from her own healing Anna's book My Friends Inside is just beautiful. It's one of those books that speaks to kids and to the little ones inside us. The language is simple, the illustrations are gorgeous, and the heart behind it? So, so good. Anna recorded a special reading of her book just for our community and Jeff added page spreads to create a whole little experience out of it. You can find that for free exclusively on Substack. Come meet your parts and maybe a few new friends inside. About Anna: Anna Purpero is an educator and children's book author based in Columbus, OH, where she lives with her partner, Jordan, and their two sons (ages 4 and 6). She draws inspiration from her former high school Language Arts students and the teens she mentored through Paper City Mentoring Project, a nonprofit she co-founded and led as Executive Director. She is currently building on her education, including SEL coursework from Fresno Pacific University and training through the Self-Leadership Collaborative. She hopes to continue to use art to facilitate experiential learning and inspire children to hold tight to their dignity and spark. Her debut picture book, My Friends Inside, is available now!  Episode Sponsor: Inner World Collective A supportive community can change everything when you're learning and applying the IFS model. The Collective is an online space for IFS therapists and practitioners to connect with like-minded professionals, build confidence, refine their skills, and feel truly supported as they bring IFS into their clinical work. Inside, you'll find expert consultation, supervised and peer-led practice groups, monthly guest speakers, recorded demos and demo groups, and Self-led workshops—all designed to help you flourish as an IFS practitioner. About The One Inside: Check out The One Inside Substack community to access all episodes, exclusive extended interviews, meditations and exercises, and more.  Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store Watch video clips from select episodes on  The One Inside on YouTube Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger. Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He's a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence. Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.  Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunties on The One Inside Podcast, email Tammy