In this episode of Going Inside, I guide Sarah through another Internal Family Systems (IFS) demonstration, exploring her inner landscape and working with a protective part that has long carried self-doubt and fear of rejection. As we slow down and create safety, Sarah connects with a younger part of herself that holds deep-seated beliefs about being different and misunderstood. Through our session, we navigate the emotions tied to early experiences of shame and isolation, leading to an organic unburdening and a shift in how this part relates to her present-day self.

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-doubt often stems from early experiences of rejection
2. Parts want to protect us, but they also want connection.
3. Healing happens when we create space for all parts.

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Resources & Offerings:

📚 Download my FREE IFS Resource Library - Get access here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-resource-library

🧠 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/@johnclarketherapy

https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Kalonya Jones, a complex trauma specialist, to explore the deep and often overlooked impact of childhood trauma. We discuss how trauma shapes identity, relationships, and mental health, even when people don’t initially recognize their experiences as traumatic. Kalonya shares her insights on how healing requires acknowledging past wounds, breaking generational cycles, and cultivating self-compassion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trauma isn’t always obvious – Many people believe they had a great childhood but struggle to remember it, which can indicate unprocessed trauma.
2. Healing starts with support – The presence (or absence) of a caregiver during distressing moments shapes how we process trauma and navigate emotions.
3. Breaking generational cycles – Unhealed trauma can be passed down through families, but recognizing these patterns allows us to create healthier relationships and self-perceptions.

Learn more about Kalonya at:

https://thelotuscounselor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thelotuscounselor/

https://www.facebook.com/lotuscounselor

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalonya-jones-lpc-ncc-cctp-aa1360a5/

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Resources & Offerings:

🧠 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

🌱 Join Pathways to Self – My IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

🧠 Download My Free IFS Meditation – Get access here: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Connect with me:

https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/

https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy

https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

In this episode of Going Inside, I continue my Internal Family Systems (IFS) demo with Sarah in the third session of a four-part series. We explore how internal and external expectations can block freedom, joy, and imagination. Sarah connects with a part of herself that has carried the burden of meeting others' needs since childhood, believing that anticipating and managing expectations would keep her safe. Together, we invite more trust, curiosity, and playfulness into her system, creating space for greater ease and self-acceptance.

*This is part 3 of a 4-part series of real Internal Family Systems therapy sessions

*Please note that the client's name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Expectations can create internal pressure that limits our ability to be present and embrace spontaneity.
2. Protective parts often form in childhood to keep us safe, but they may no longer serve us in the same way as adults.
3. Trusting the present moment allows for greater emotional freedom, creativity, and self-acceptance.

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Resources & Offerings:

🧠 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

🌱 Join Pathways to Self – My IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

🧠 Download My Free IFS Meditation – Get access here: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

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Connect with me:

https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/

https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy

https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I sit down with Mel Galbraith, a Level 3 IFS therapist and COO of IFSCA, to dive into the practical side of unblending and direct access in Internal Family Systems therapy. We explore what to do when clients struggle to "drop in" or when protectors resist stepping back, and Mel shares how to approach these situations with curiosity, patience, and flexibility. We also touch on the role of self-energy in creating safety, how to avoid bypassing protectors, and the balance between sticking to the model and meeting clients where they are.

Key Takeaways:

1. Protectors resist unblending for a reason—curiosity and validation are key to earning their trust.
2. Direct access can feel intimidating but is a natural and effective way to engage parts when insight work stalls.
3. Prioritizing client safety and flexibility over rigidly following the model leads to deeper, more authentic healing.

Learn more about Mel:
https://www.youtube.com/@IFSCA
https://www.youtube.com/@mel.galbraith
https://www.facebook.com/p/ifsca-61563584521442/

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Resources:

• Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!
• Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE
• Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners:
• Download my Free IFS Meditation

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy

In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I do a second live Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy demo with Sarah, revisiting her journey of addressing heavy emotional burdens and discovering the power of creativity and play. We explore blocked imagination, a sense of responsibility for others' emotions, and the effects of reconnecting with playful, lighthearted parts. The session includes an unburdening process and Sarah learns how bringing creativity into daily life can foster emotional balance and resilience.

*This is part 1 of a 3-part series of real Internal Family Systems therapy sessions
*Please note that the client's name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reconnecting with imaginative parts can help reframe heavy emotions and create space for joy and lightness.
2. Releasing emotional burdens allows space for new, positive qualities like lightness, music, and playful energy to take root.
3. Building relationships with parts helps manage challenging interactions and turn serious situations into opportunities for growth and play.

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Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I conduct a live Internal Family Systems (IFS) demo with Sarah, a client who explores her discomfort with vulnerability and connection. Together, we uncover the roots of these feelings in a protective part that emerged during childhood, carrying grief and longing for attunement. We create a safe space for this part, paving the way for healing and rediscovering joy.

*This is part 1 of a 3 part series of real Internal Family Systems therapy sessions
*Please note that the client's name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Protective parts often arise in childhood to shield us from pain and can be released through acknowledgment and care.
2. Creating a safe, compassionate space for your parts fosters healing and deeper self-awareness.
3. When burdens are lifted, parts can rediscover their original roles, enabling greater emotional balance and fulfillment.

Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started! https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador/

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking the link: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - A weekly IFS consultation group for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Leslie Sanchez, a licensed therapist who specializes in helping first-generation Latinx individuals heal from childhood trauma caused by emotionally immature parents. Together, we delve into the complexities of growing up with emotionally immature caregivers, the lasting impact it has on adult relationships, self-esteem, and the challenges of setting boundaries. Leslie shares her journey of recognizing her childhood wounds, the importance of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in her healing process, and how she empowers her clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and break free from generational cycles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Growing up with emotionally immature parents can shape lifelong patterns in self-worth, relationships, and communication.
2. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy fosters self-compassion and helps individuals heal internal conflicts.
3. Setting boundaries with emotionally immature parents is essential for personal growth and breaking generational cycles.

Learn more about Leslie at: https://nueva-vida-therapy.com/

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Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE or by clicking this link.

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basic course for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy

In this episode of Going Inside, I’m interviewed again on Mannah’s Therapeutic Astrology Podcast (TAP). Mannah, an Evolutionary Astrologer and Trauma Therapist, explores how astrology informs her therapeutic work, while I dive into Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work. We discuss how to compassionately connect with protective parts, create internal attachment repair, and navigate the challenges therapists face when maintaining compassion without an agenda. If you’re a therapist, coach, or anyone interested in trauma and self-discovery, I think you’ll find this episode both inspiring and practical.

Key Takeaways:

1. Every part of us, even those with extreme behaviors, has a protective role rooted in past experiences or trauma.
2. Accessing self-energy with compassion and curiosity allows protective parts to feel safe and begin healing.
3. Internal Family Systems (IFS) fosters de-shaming and deeper healing by creating space for connection between self and parts.

Learn more about Mannah at: https://www.therapeuticastrologer.com/

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Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!

Download my Free IFS Meditation: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/free

Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/pathways

Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnclarkeTherapy