In this solo Going Inside Live episode, John Clarke dives deep into what to do when your IFS sessions hit a wall - when clients feel shut down, protectors won’t budge, and insight isn’t working. Whether you’re facing “I don’t know” responses, feeling stuck as a therapist, or unsure how to use direct access effectively, this episode gives you grounded, real-world strategies to move forward. Plus: John shares how he maps parts in-session, stays in Self, and supports clients (and himself) throug...
What if your inner critic, your shame, and your perfectionism are all working together in secret? In this episode, John Clarke sits down with Jessica Fern and David Cooley, authors of Transforming the Shame Triangle: From Shame to Love Using Parts Work, to explore the unconscious internal system that keeps us stuck—and how to break free. Whether you're a therapist, coach, or someone doing deep inner work, this conversation introduces a powerful IFS-inspired framework for turning shame into co...
In this episode of Going Inside Live, John Clarke tackles a wide range of real-time questions from therapists, including a provocative one: Can Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy actually be harmful? John explores the nuances of working with protectors, polarization, dissociation, DID, and the ethical concerns therapists face when practicing powerful modalities like IFS. Whether you're an IFS practitioner or just curious about parts work, this episode is filled with candid insights and cli...
When clients say “I don’t know” in session, it can feel like hitting a wall. In this live Q&A episode, John Clarke breaks down what’s really happening when insight work stalls—and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a radically different way forward. From hypoarousal and hopelessness to therapist parts that want to fix everything, this episode gives practical strategies for going deeper, staying in self, and navigating the complexity of parts work. Whether you're doing IFS solo or wi...
In this episode of Going Inside, John Clarke sits down with the legendary Cece Sykes, IFS trainer, therapist, and pioneer in the field of addiction recovery, for a rich, open-ended conversation about the complex dance between trauma, addictive processes, and the healing power of choice. Together, they break down a real client demo, the challenges therapists face when healing feels urgent, and how the IFS model bridges the gap between trauma treatment and addiction recovery. 3 Key Takeaw...
In this live Q&A episode, John Clarke dives deep into how to skillfully navigate protective parts in IFS therapy and why safety is the cornerstone of effective trauma work. You'll learn practical, real-world techniques to help clients unblend, access Self energy, and build trust with even the most entrenched protectors. Whether you're new to IFS or looking to refine your clinical skills, this episode is packed with insights, case examples, and therapist tools you can use right away. 🔑 Key...
Therapists are trained to hold space for others,but not for their own financial stories. In this powerful conversation, trauma-informed money coach Nadine Zumot joins John to unpack the hidden emotional wounds behind money shame, avoidance, and burnout. Together, they explore how trauma shapes our money behaviors, why fee-setting can feel “dirty,” and how somatic healing can help therapists finally feel in control of their finances. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Money avoidance isn’t just procrastinatio...
➡️ Start showing up to every session grounded, attuned, and fully resourced with the Self-Energy Guide for Therapists: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/self-energy-guide-org What happens when a trauma therapist steps outside the traditional therapy model to create a more embodied, flexible, and client-centered way of healing? In this powerful conversation, somatic practitioner Dr. Danica Harris joins John Clarke to explore what it really means to heal from complex trauma without r...
Dissociation, Attachment Trauma & the Brainstem with Nikki Nooteboom In this episode of Going Inside, Dutch therapist and trainer Nikki Nooteboom joins John to explore how neurobiology is reshaping trauma therapy. From the vestibular system to dissociation and the default mode network, Nikki breaks down the deep physiological roots of trauma — and how to work with them more effectively in clinical practice. If you've ever wondered why some clients can't stay grounded or why insight alone ...
In this deeply moving episode of Going Inside, John sits down with somatic coach Marina Shriner for a raw and resonant exploration of how trauma hides in the body—and how it silently shapes our relationships, self-worth, and emotional patterns. From immigration and war to abusive relationships and business breakdowns, Marina shares her personal healing journey and why talk therapy wasn’t enough. She reveals the powerful truth about what happens when we stop trying to think our way out of trau...
In this episode of Going Inside, John Clarke sits down with Jessica Fern—IFS-trained trauma therapist and author of Polysecure—to explore what really happens inside our systems when we open up relationships. They unpack the intersection of attachment, trauma, and non-monogamy, and how IFS brings clarity and healing to the parts that get activated. Whether you're a therapist, curious about ethical non-monogamy, or working on your own attachment wounding, this conversation offers powerful insig...
Grief isn’t just about loss — it’s also a doorway into healing. In this deeply resonant conversation, relational therapist Rebecca Wong and host John Clarke explore how grief, when met with presence and curiosity, becomes a powerful force for integration and connection. Together, we dive into what it means to turn toward our discomfort, build trust with our nervous systems, and honor the wisdom already within us. Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or a human navigating this wild experience...
What if parenting challenges—and therapeutic resistance—make perfect sense? In this episode, John Clarke sits down with Danish IFS therapist and parenting model creator Anna Vincentz to explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a powerful lens for working with both clients and their families. Anna shares how her personal journey with neurodivergence, trauma, and parenthood led her to develop New Danish Parenting, a model that centers nervous system regulation, attachment, and deep curi...
➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast In this insightful episode of Going Inside, John Clarke sits down with Dr. Daphne Fatter to explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be integrated for powerful trauma recovery work. Dr. Fatter shares her step-by-step approach to blending these models, offering practical tips for clinicians working with complex trauma. ...
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 par...
In this powerful episode, psychiatrist and psychedelic therapy researcher Dr. Will Van Derveer joins John to explore the cutting-edge world of MDMA-assisted therapy and how it's changing the game for trauma recovery. They unpack the failures of conventional psychiatry, the neuroscience behind MDMA’s healing power, and why training—and restraint—are everything when it comes to this work. If you’re curious about psychedelic therapy or working with trauma more effectively, this one’s for you. 🔑 ...
In this special breakdown episode, John Clarke takes us inside a real IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy session with a demo client named Sandra. With transparency and depth, John unpacks the nuances of their interaction, from checking in with previously unburdened parts to recognizing a live polarity between imagination and expectations. This session is packed with insights for both practitioners and those curious about the IFS model. Expect honest reflections, subtle therapeutic moves, a...
What if healing trauma didn’t have to happen in an office—or even through traditional “talk therapy”? In this episode of Going Inside, John Clarke sits down with therapist Emmy Ferguson to explore how IFS (Internal Family Systems), nonviolent communication, and extended wilderness experiences can create profound healing and growth. Emmy shares her journey from leading month-long outdoor expeditions to becoming a therapist, and how she helps people unlock their emotional resilience by stepping...
In this episode of Going Inside, trauma therapist John Clarke sits down with Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP, to explore her decades of work with attachment trauma in children. Debra shares the evolution of her integrative model combining EMDR and family therapy, explains how to work effectively with kids carrying "little parts" of trauma inside, and highlights the critical role of parents in the healing process. Whether you're a clinician or a curious listener, this conversation offers valuable ...
In this powerful follow-up episode, trauma therapist John Clarke welcomes back Tim Amaral, an award-winning adult educator and creator of the Self-Led Learning model. Together, they explore how traditional education systems often undermine a student's sense of worth—and what it looks like to build classrooms rooted in connection, self-worth, and authentic community. Tim shares profound insights on how trauma-informed education can transform lives, why belonging is the foundation of learning, ...