IFS Therapy in Practice: Beyond the Training Model with Monica Cavalcante
Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out
Using BLS and STAR with parts
John outlines the STAR method and ways to combine EMDR-style bilateral stimulation with IFS for witnessing.
Have a question or takeaway? Send us a message, we read every one.
In this episode of Going Inside, I sit down with Monica Cavalcante, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to explore what Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy really looks like beyond the structure of formal training.
Monica shares her journey from self-study to completing Level 2 IFS training, and how her understanding of the model has evolved through real-world client work. Together, we unpack the gap between theory and practice, the importance of therapist self-awareness, and why IFS is far more complex—and powerful—than it first appears.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why trying to “get IFS right” might actually get in the way of the work
- The moment therapists realize the model isn’t as simple as it seemed
- What most people miss when they try to “figure out” their inner world
Our Guest
Monica Cavalcante is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Virginia who specializes in trauma and OCD. She integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to support clients in understanding themselves more deeply, reducing anxiety, and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Monica is passionate about helping people build a more compassionate relationship with themselves by exploring the different “parts” that show up in their inner world. Her work focuses on supporting clients in moving through trauma, navigating obsessive-compulsive patterns, and feeling more grounded, connected, and empowered in their lives.
She is the founder of Healing & Integration Therapy, where she offers both in-person and virtual sessions, bringing a thoughtful, down-to-earth, and integrative approach to her work.
Connect with Monica: https://healingintegrationtherapy.com/
Resources & Offerings:
➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast
➡️ 1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador
➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE
➡️ 10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHN
Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy
Grab Your Seat for the Free IFS Webinar Here: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast
➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast
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