In this episode of Empowered Through Compassion, I sit down with clinician-trainer Michelle Richardson, who is the co-founder of the Syzygy Institute. Michelle is a leading voice in integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. We explore how these two powerful models can be woven together to create deeper healing. Michelle shares how she has found how creating space and building meaningful relationships with protector parts can in itself be extremely healing. Whether you’re an EMDR therapist looking for parts-work fluency, or an IFS practitioner exploring reprocessing protocols, this episode offers actionable insights, clinical humility & relational depth. Tune in to find out how you can deepen your clinical toolkit, and expand your confidence in parts-informed trauma work.   Syzygy: https://www.syzygyinstitute.com/   Michelle's Practice: https://mindfulsoulwellbeing.com/   #EmpoweredThroughCompassion #ETCmodel #IFS #EMDR #IFSInformedEMDR #SyzygyInstitute #TraumaTherapy #TherapyTraining #PartsWork #TraumaInformed

In this episode of I speak with Musenge Luchembe, a gifted ecotherapist, licensed psychotherapist, and IFS-certified clinician who was a program assistant when I took my IFIO (Intimacy From the Inside Out) training. In this episode, Musenge and I dive into how nature and the natural world can support deep healing, bringing together her work in ecotherapy, somatic modalities and couples work. She shares reflections on how being held by the land, the elements, and relational attunement fosters integration and opens the way toward wholeness. You can find more about Musenge on her website: Musenge.com

Here is a special bonus to the upcoming episode with Musenge Luchembe. Throught this special ecotherapy meditation, she invites us to become a non-human being, and reconnect with nature's deeper and majestical powers.  This invites us into a space within that is quiet, spacious and alive.  It's one of those moments you'll want to keep revisiting. And each time you return, you'll be able to find something new. 

Music is more than just sound, it’s a universal language that connects us and heals us. In this episode, I sit down with Alison Hughey, a gifted music therapist who brings people together through the power of music. From adults who are neurodivergent and struggle with stillness, to individuals living with dementia, Alison creates pathways of safety and belonging through sound. Our conversation explores how music reaches the into the unconscious parts of us, and deep into our body and stirs powerful memories and emotions. Alison shares how the nervous system can be calmed through melodies, beats, lyrics, singing and movement.  We also talk about music as a tool for emotional expression. For trauma survivors, songwriting or playing music can help release a variety of feelings from anger to grief to anxiety. For those with dementia, familiar songs can connect them to happy moments in their past.  Alison’s dogs even joins the conversation, adding to the ambience and authenticity of the episode by singing their own rendition of, “Let’s All Bark at the Lawn Mower Guy.” It was such a pleasure speaking with Alison about music, and taking a deeper dive into the magic of music therapy.  Find out more about Alison: On Instagram: @composeyourselfcare On the web: Carolinamusictherapy.com

This special bonus episode features a guided meditation from Corey, continuing our conversation from Part 2. Corey invites us into his "IFS Love Practice" demonstrating how he connects with his parts in a very accepting and compassionate way. This meditation is a powerful tool for inner healing, and I hope this inspires you to take some time to experience a deep connection within.    #IFS #Meditation #InnerHealing #GuidedMeditation #SelfCompassion #MindfulnessPodcast #TraumaHealing

In this second conversation with Corey Busch, we explore the difference between using Internal Family Systems (IFS) for healing and for awakening. Corey has developed what he calls the IFS Love Practice, a way of blending mindful meditation with IFS. In this practice, a part is accepted just the way it shows up. It does not need to relax back, or change, or be healed. It already is OK. Together, we reflect on: * How awakening can be a practice of settling into what is already here, rather than striving for change. * How mindful meditation can be used in IFS to reassure parts that they are welcome exactly as they are * The invitation to parts that they can change or not change (however they see fit). * The many “flavors” of love, and the ocean-like OK-ness of Self. This conversation reminds us that love and acceptance aren’t something our parts need to earn, but rather they can "awaken to" and feel how this energy is already around them.  To find out more about Corey, check out his website: coreybusch.com/ We also celebrate our love and admiration for Sid, who can be found here: effortlessifs.com    #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #PartsWork #SelfHealing #TraumaHealing #Mindfulness #Meditation #Awakening #SelfAcceptance #Compassion #HealingJourney #Podcast

In this inspiring conversation with Corey Busch, we explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) opens the door to deeper spiritual connection and relational healing. Together, we reflect on the gift of seeing our inner multiplicity and how this awareness naturally connects us to our family, our community, and even to the spiritual universe. Corey shares how meaningful Christian centering prayer was for him. This contemplative practice of silently resting in a sacred word became a lifeline for Corey during when he was struggling with physical pain and traditional mindfulness was not fully working. Through centering prayer, Corey discovered that he could “come home to Self” without asking parts to step aside. There was an abiding and always present love that Corey found within himself. Rather than going through all the formal steps of IFS, Corey found a way to simply relax, unblend, and return to the OK-ness of Self. This was not something that he used to replace IFS (he still loves this model) but rather, it was something to augment IFS. This shift revealed another way to unblend from parts. Rather than asking to see if they would relax back, or even witnessing them, Corey was able to just spend time appreciating the divine presence and unconditional love all around him. This is part one. Part two is a conversation with Corey about his “IFS Love Practice” which outlines his gentle and effortless way to reconnect with Self.   Key Insights in this Episode: Multiplicity opens us to interconnectedness. Centering prayer as a doorway to Self. Self as abiding love, always here, beneath parts’ striving. Effortless IFS: resting in Self without an agenda. Spontaneous healing through simple awareness.   #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #SelfLeadership #CenteringPrayer #ChristianMysticism #SpiritualHealing #PartsWork #TraumaHealing #AbidingLove #ContemplativePractice #Mindfulness #SpiritualityAndTherapy #IFSCommunity #HealingJourney #SelfEnergy #CompassionateHealing #Wholeness #EffortlessIFS #EmotionalHealing #PodcastForHealing

In this conversation with Kathy Couch and Tamera Brown, we explore what it really means to move from competition to collaboration in the healing professions. Too often, therapists feel pressured to compare themselves to others, and start feeling better than, less than, not enough... As Tamera beautifully describes, healing is a tapestry: and all of our voices matters. Every one of us, whether we are therapists or clients (or both) have something unique and valuable to offer.  Kathy brings her wisdom from working with the original EMDR text, showing therapists how to stay grounded in the foundations while also translating them into meaningful, accurate notes. Her work reminds us that documentation isn’t just paperwork; it’s part of the therapeutic process itself. We discuss the wisdom of Dr. Arielle Schwartz, and bringing in awareness of our own nervous-system.  This episode is an invitation to honor your uniqueness and value and feel welcomed into the healing EMDR space!  Find out more about Tamera and Kathy's Journey Through the Eyes Podcast here: https://www.rewired360.com/podcasts/journey-through-the-eyes-an-emdr-podcast   Find out more about Kathy's Rewired360 here: https://www.rewired360.com   #WoundedHealer #HeartOfEMDR #TherapistCommunity #HealingTapestry #EMDRTherapy #CollaborationOverCompetition

In this episode, I sit down with Stacy Ruse, LPC, a visionary therapist and consultant who beautifully integrates EMDR with Internal Family Systems (IFS), weaving in somatic and spiritual practices. Stacy describes how the structured brilliance of EMDR provides a foundation for trauma healing, while the soulful depth of IFS brings creativity, compassion, and transformative energy into the process. Together, these approaches create a powerful synergy to honor both the nervous system and the client’s inner world of parts. Stacy shares how EMDR’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model was a game-changer in understanding trauma for her. When we add this with IFS we can invite an ongoing relationship with our authentic Self, and with the parts of our psyche. Self-energy is like a tuning fork, and our job as therapists can be to help clients resonate with their Self, and be the guides for their healing. Bilateral stimulation (BLS) can be used to connect with protectors, honoring their positive intentions and empowering clients by continually checking in with what feels right for their system. As Stacy reminds us, in both EMDR and IFS we set an intention, but then step out of the way, allowing the client’s system to lead. Beyond her clinical work, Stacy offers training, workshops, and consultation for therapists around the world. She teaches IFS, EMDR, somatic approaches, and polyvagal-informed practices through live courses, retreats, and even cruise-based learning experiences. She provides both individual and group consultation, helping clinicians integrate EMDR, IFS, and somatic wisdom into their practice. Stacy also shares free resources, meditations, and videos through her website and social media, and she is currently developing two books slated for release in 2026. Stacy’s passion is contagious—reminding us that EMDR and IFS are more than just models; they are pathways to deep compassion and creativity. Learn more about Stacy’s offerings at stacyruse.com and follow her on Instagram @aglowcounseling.

In this heartful and energizing conversation, we sit down with the incredible Natalie Deering—therapist, podcast host, IFS practitioner, and authenticity advocate—to explore the beautiful intersections between healing, creativity, and connection. Natalie shares the story of how she first discovered Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and how it’s become not just a modality but a life practice. We also dive into what inspired her to launch her own podcast, That Wellness Podcast with Natalie Deering, and how stepping into that space has allowed her to embrace vulnerability, creativity, and impact in new ways. Together, we explore the metaphor of mountain climbing to describe the IFS journey: how each part of us is like a climber trying to ascend, and Self-energy serves as both the rope and the steady presence that anchors and guides the climb. As Natalie puts it,“It’s not just about getting to the top of the mountain. It’s the journey.” We also talk about Natalie’s current writing project—a forthcoming book that weaves together our nervous systems, and IFS to better understand anxiety-and her personal journey through this. Her vision is to offer readers a compassionate, integrative framework that helps them befriend their anxious parts and move toward greater safety and connection in their bodies and lives. Whether you're a therapist, creative, or just someone walking your own healing path, you’ll find inspiration in how Natalie approaches life and work with openness, grounded care, and humor. Instagram: @NatalieDeering Website: ndwellnessservices.com Allison at Scroll Media: https://www.scrollmedia.co/about  Learn about Empowered Through Compassion: empoweredthroughcompassion.com  

In this episode of Empowered through Compassion, we dive into the heart of relational healing with Maureen Kelleher and Christina O’Reilly—two dynamic Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who specialize in EMDR intensives for couples. With decades of experience, they offer a trauma-informed, attachment-centered approach that helps partners not only heal past wounds, but also rediscover one another through deeper empathy and connection. Founders of Fairfax Integrative Therapy in Virginia, Maureen and Christina are also trainers, supervisors, and leaders in the field of relational EMDR. Their approach blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, and powerful EMDR protocols to create transformation in relationships marked by high conflict, trauma, or disconnection. Learn more about their work at fairfaxintegrativetherapy.com. Together, we explore how EMDR can move beyond the individual and become a shared journey—one where partners witness each other's pain with compassion, and where Self energy becomes the foundation for healing. You’ll hear how Phase 1 and 2 of EMDR lay the groundwork for accessing Self energy, and how couples can learn to "interweave" support in the therapy room—holding space, offering presence, and becoming co-regulators in each other’s healing. This episode is packed with clinical insight, heart, and practical takeaways. Whether you're a therapist curious about EMDR with couples, or a partner longing to heal through connection, this conversation will leave you hopeful about what’s possible. 🎧 Don’t miss this one—it's a game-changer for relational healing.

What if healing doesn’t come from expertise, but from empathy?In this transformative conversation, David Polidi sits down with internationally renowned Motivational Interviewing trainer Stephen Andrew to explore what it really means to be present with someone in their pain. Stephen challenges the dominant medical model of mental health—assess, diagnose, and treat—and offers instead a radically human approach: one rooted in compassion, collaboration, and what he calls radical humility. Drawing from decades of experience, Stephen shares how MI is not just a technique, but a way of being—a spiritual, relational posture that meets people where they are, without judgment or agenda. Together, David and Stephen dive into the concept of the “trauma injury”—a phrase that invites healing and hope rather than pathology. They explore how many of our deepest wounds stem from power imbalances, and how true healing can only happen in spaces where we move from “power over” to “power with.” You’ll hear powerful reflections on: The three G’s of empathy: genuine, gentle, and a guess Why MI is Carl Rogers 2.0 How trauma teaches us to believe we don’t matter—and how empathy can quiet the nervous system enough for hope to return Why empathy is not a performance, but a presence How the “container” of compassion and acceptance allows the “medicine” of empowerment and partnership to emerge This episode isn’t just for therapists—it’s for anyone who wants to show up more fully, more authentically, and more tenderly in their relationships. If you’ve ever wondered what real healing looks like—or how to hold space for someone else’s pain—this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. “The individual is like a garden to be tended, not a machine to be repaired.” —Stephen Andrew

🎙️ New Episode: Healing Trauma, Dismantling Whiteness, and Building Community with David Archer Welcome back to Empowered Through Compassion. You won’t want to miss this powerful and deeply inspiring episode. Today, I sit down with David Archer, a brilliant voice in trauma-informed care, to explore the vital intersection between personal healing and collective liberation. We dive into what it means to practice trauma-focused care in a way that honors ancestral wisdom, community connection, and cultural context. Together, we examine the construct of whiteness and white supremacy in America—not just as historical realities, but as living systems that shape how we relate to ourselves, each other, and the land. David invites us to consider how colonization continues not just through land and violence, but through language, ideology, and the very ways we understand healing. We reflect on how internal healing fuels social change, and how reconnecting with indigenous perspectives and ancestral cycles can lead us to greater joy, justice, and wholeness. As David beautifully shares, healing is not just personal—it’s communal, spiritual, and revolutionary. David is currently collaborating with Thomas Zimmerman, developer of the Four Blinks approach to Flash. David himself is the creator of the Rhythm and Processing strategy, and together, they’ve developed a groundbreaking presentation:👉 “Foundations of Trauma-Focused Care” — an experiential training designed to support healing from complex trauma and dissociation. This innovative approach invites you not only to learn, but to become part of a growing community of healers. Participants engage in real-time practice and biweekly consultation groups—forming a movement toward a more connected, compassionate, and inclusive model of care for the 21st century. 🌱 Join the revolution in mental health.Visit their site for registration and more information: Click Here  

This heart-warming episode begins with Laura sharing a tender story about baking bread—and from there, we journey into the rich, soulful themes of her new book. We explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), the sacred essence of everyday life, and the profound connection between healing trauma, cultivating presence, and embodying wholeness. Together, we reflect on the beauty and challenge of truly being with our emotions and honoring the full range of the human experience. As Laura so beautifully says, “Our guides are so proud of us for choosing this experience.” Whether you’re a seeker, a therapist, or simply curious about the intersection of psychology and spirituality, I’m so glad you’re here. This was a joy-filled, meaningful conversation—and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can learn more about Laura Patryas, PhD and her work at drlaurapatryas.org. 📘 Check out her books: Awaken to Love: Reclaiming Wholeness through IFS, Nonduality, and Psychosynthesis The 8 Superpowers Inside Me: A Journey Through Feelings and Inner Parts 🌱 Join the IFS Nondual Community on Facebook🌀 Explore the IFS Unconference

What if Mike White’s The White Lotus is more than just a dark comedy television series? What if we look at it as a striking exploration of the human psyche? In a recent episode of the Empowered Through Compassion podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sunni (Sun) Brown, a dynamic IFS practitioner, author of Gamestorming and The Doodle Revolution, and creator of Deep Self Design™. Together, we unpacked the psychological architecture of the show using the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Sunni brings a rare blend of creativity, compassion, and clarity to her work, infusing IFS with elements of Zen, mindfulness, Hakomi, design thinking, with a deep appreciation of the powerful modality of doodling! With over 1.6 million views on her TED Talk, she is no stranger to harnessing storytelling to illuminate complex inner worlds. Our conversation turned The White Lotus from a binge-worthy show into a rich case study of internal dynamics—hypothesizing that some of the repeating themes might even reflect Mike White (the creator) own inner system!

This week’s episode is nothing short of extraordinary. I am honored to welcome back IFS master Bob Falconer, and to be joined for the first time by Chelsea Rose Odhner and Dr. Jonathan S. Rose, two deeply insightful scholars and practitioners of Emanuel Swedenborg’s spiritual teachings. Together, we explore the sacred intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and The Spirituality of Swedenborg. We all entered into conversation that transcended time, space, and discussed ways to go beyond the boundaries and limits of IFS and the conventional boundaries of healing. 💫 We reflect on the eternal journey of the soul — an ever-unfolding relationship between the Divine within and the Divine beyond. In this journey of becoming, Swedenborg is the ultimate Geographer!  🕊️ Topics include: The profound parallels between IFS and Swedenborg’s vision of the spiritual world The "middle realm" — a space beyond space, populated by angels who guide us toward deeper integration How healing is not a destination, but a sacred unfolding where we get closer to love, insight, and a relationship with the divine  📌 Whether you're a therapist, spiritual seeker, or simply curious about the soul’s path — this conversation will move you. 🔗 Listen now on empoweredthroughcompassion.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Here's a couple links to check out:   The book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Inner-World-Spiritual-Swedenborg/dp/0877853673   Chelsea's website: https://locusofhealing.com/   For more about Swedenborg: https://swedenborg.com/  

In this episode, we explore a powerful and often overlooked therapeutic trio: EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). If you’ve ever wondered how to help clients move from ambivalence to meaningful change—or how to make EMDR feel more relational and intuitive—this is the conversation for you. The Common Ground: Self-Leadership & Intrinsic Wisdom What ties IFS, EMDR, and MI together? At their core, all three approaches believe this: Clients hold the wisdom and capacity for healing inside themselves. Whether it’s the Self in IFS, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system in EMDR, or the intrinsic motivation in MI, each model honors the client as the expert on their own life. Our role is to compassionately guide, not direct. What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)? Larisa describes MI beautifully: “It’s a conversation style that helps elicit people’s behavior change and resolve any ambivalence they have around making changes. It’s not about leading or following—it’s about guiding.” MI helps clients uncover their values and use those as fuel for transformation. It's relational, respectful, and deeply humanizing. MI’s Spirit: PACE as a Compass To show up for clients in the MI spirit, we bring: Partnership Acceptance Compassion Empowerment This allows for true connection—creating a space where clients feel safe enough to explore, question, and grow. MI in Action: A Bridge to EMDR As Larisa shares, many clinicians struggle with applying EMDR, especially in early stages. MI offers a crucial entry point—helping clients prepare, build trust, and find clarity in their goals. “Our clients come in with ambivalence—about therapy, about EMDR. MI helps us meet them where they are.” MI enhances EMDR’s Stage One (Preparation) phase by bringing in empathy, reflection, and alignment with client values. A Case Example: Matthew Perry & the Power of Discrepancy Imagine a young Matthew Perry wrestling with abandonment wounds and addiction. MI helps us uncover the discrepancy between where he is and where he wants to be. It’s not just about stopping a behavior—it’s about healing the parts that carry unmet needs and pain. Reflections, Change Talk & “DARN CATs” MI offers tools to strengthen internal alignment: DARN (Desire, Ability, Reason, Need) – the seeds of change CATs (Commitment, Activation, Taking Steps) – the momentum for action These can powerfully support Phase Four of EMDR, especially when clients are ready to take new steps—but feel unsure how. Integration & Future Templating MI isn’t just for the beginning—it shines in re-evaluation and future planning too: “Sometimes clients say they’re ready for change—but don’t know how. This is where we go back to Evoking and Planning. MI gives us tools to break it down, make it concrete, and support clients in taking those next steps.” Whether you're addressing co-occurring issues or preparing for future challenges, MI helps keep the work grounded, hopeful, and empowering. Final Thoughts: Parts Want to Grow IFS reminds us that all parts—even protectors—ultimately want healing. MI offers a lens to honor that growth: “There’s a fear in IFS that we don’t want to change parts. But MI helps us see it differently: Parts want to grow. Our goal is to encourage the intrinsic desire of parts to grow.” 🌐 Learn more about Larisa and her work: empowertct.com   🎧 Tune in and subscribe to the Empowered Through Compassion podcast—where healing is a collaborative, compassionate journey.

In this deeply meaningful episode, I had the honor of speaking with Ralph De La Rosa—teacher, healer, and radiant soul—who sadly passed away earlier this week. This episode is a tribute to Ralph’s immense heart and the wisdom they so generously shared with the world. We explored the profound intersections of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Buddhism, and I was struck by Ralph’s grace, clarity, and the gentle light they brought to even the heaviest of topics. Their book, Outshining Trauma, is a lasting gift—a testament to the depth of their insight and compassion. I’m so grateful for the laughter we shared and the truths we uncovered. This episode is an offering to our community and a way to honor one of our own who carried so much, and gave so much more.

Part 2 with Julian: The Inner Sauron – Power, Possession, and the PsycheIn this episode, Julian and I dive deep into The Lord of the Rings through the lens of psychology, mythology, and IFS (Internal Family Systems). We explore the dark allure of Sauron—not just as a villain seeking domination through the One Ring, but as a metaphor for the exiled forces within us all. Julian draws powerful parallels between Sauron and the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli, both powerful spirits who reside in higher realms yet influence human behavior in devastating ways. We reflect on how these archetypes show up in our inner worlds—manipulating, isolating, and consuming us when left unseen. What if Sauron is an inner part we exile, giving it more power? And what if the One Ring acts like an unattached burden—seductive, cursed, and waiting to latch on to vulnerable parts of our psyche? We ask the big question: how do we care for our inner Sauron, and what choices emerge when we do? You can learn more about Julian’s work at https://www.psychedelic-integration.net

It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Julian Bermudez, founder of Psychedelic Integration, about his deeply personal and powerful approach to healing. In this episode, Julian shares his philosophy of psychedelic integration as a sacred return—a coming home to the body, to the heart, and to the version of ourselves that existed before life’s pain forced us to adapt. Through his lived experience and the space he holds for others, Julian invites us to see integration not as a checklist, but as a living, breathing practice of transformation. We explore the idea of purpose, reclaiming value, and the path to remembering who we truly are.