The Psychedelic Podcast IFS & Psychedelics: A Guide for Practitioners - Heather Smith
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Heather Smith, founder of The Moxie School and a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, about the intersection of parts work and psychedelic healing.
Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-354/?ref=278
Heather explains how IFS offers a practical framework for working with what arises during psychedelic experiences. She describes IFS as an approach that helps people stay present with different parts of themselves, especially when difficult or unexpected material comes up.
The conversation explores how psychedelic experiences can bring awareness to underlying patterns and past experiences, and why that awareness on its own often doesn't lead to lasting change.
They also discuss common misconceptions about combining IFS with psychedelics, the role of preparation and integration, and how working directly with parts supports more stable change over time.
Highlights:
- Misconceptions about IFS in psychedelic work
- IFS as a mindset, not a method
- How psychedelics reveal internal parts
- Why insight alone isn't enough
- The unburdening process in healing
- Working with fear and difficult experiences
- Preparation and integration as core skills
- Practitioner integrity and embodied practice
Heather Smith is a visionary in the field of psychedelic healing, blending Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with expanded states of consciousness to catalyze deep transformation. A Certified IFS therapist, she has completed Levels 1–3 of training and served as a Program Assistant multiple times.
She is the founder of The Moxie School®, where she trains psychedelic facilitators in IFS-informed approaches and supports both personal and professional development through immersive training and retreat experiences.
Episode Links:
Episode Sponsors:
- The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
- The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
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