Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out IFS or SE First? The Grounding Debate Therapists Face
In this live Q&A episode of Going Inside, John Clarke dives deep into the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing (SE). Therapists asked real questions about how to ground clients with complex trauma, whether SE can bypass protectors, and how to handle burnout, fear of messing up, and imposter syndrome. John offers raw, nuanced insights—from co-regulation to clinical contracting—that will resonate with any trauma-informed therapist striving to do deeper, more relational work.
🔑 3 Key Takeaways
- Is SE bypassing your client’s protectors? Learn how to spot subtle protector bypassing even with gentle somatic work—and how IFS can help re-establish choice and agency.
- Why grounding may be overemphasized: John challenges the assumption that therapists must ground first, proposing self-energy and relational presence as grounding in itself.
- Burnout starts with belief systems: Discover how internal polarizations and unexamined fears silently drive overworking—and how IFS can unwind the deeper exile dynamics.
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
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