Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out

In this episode, John Clarke answers therapists’ questions about applying Internal Family Systems in real clinical situations. Topics include working with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), perfectionistic protector parts, and fear-based panic responses. John also shares a simple lens that can change how therapists understand client behavior. 3 Key TakeawaysA simple framework that can change how you interpret what clients say in session.Why therapy stalls and how slowing down with protector parts changes the work.The question that helps high-functioning clients reconnect with their true Self.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/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab 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

What happens when a spiritual awakening feels more like a psychological breakdown?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Peter Legård Nielsen to explore spontaneous Kundalini awakenings through the lens of IFS. Peter shares his own harrowing experience of a sudden awakening at age 18 that led to insomnia, terror, and years of destabilization, and how IFS ultimately helped him transform that trauma into integration, healing, and meaning.We explore how to discern Kundalini energy from trauma responses or unattached burdens, how therapists can safely approach this territory, and why relationship — not suppression — may be the key to working with overwhelming spiritual energy.3 Key TakeawaysWhen awakening feels like trauma. What if the key to integration isn’t shutting the energy down… but building a relationship with it?How to distinguish between benevolent spiritual energy and destructive forces — and why intention matters.Our GuestPeter Legård Nielsen is a writer of fiction and non-fiction, a certified IFS therapist and organizer of the official IFS trainings in the Nordic countries, as well as a certified advanced Rolfer. 📘 Book: Spontaneous Kundalini Awakenings: Healing the Damage Through IFS https://www.amazon.com/Spontaneous-Kundalini-Awakenings-Healing-Through/dp/8785223042🌐 Author Website:www.peterlegaardnielsen.dk📧 Email:peter@alle-dele-er-velkomne.dk📘 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peter.nielsen.3950178https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063352442892Resources & 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/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab 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

 ➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast In this live Q&A episode of Going Inside, I answer real-time questions from therapists about high-achieving clients, ADHD and over-functioning, shutdown responses during trauma work, and the deeper question: are memories actually parts?We explore how protector parts drive work addiction, why some clients can’t stop checking email, what’s really happening when someone gets sleepy during parts work, and how polarized masculine protectors impact relationships. This episode dives into the subtle complexities of IFS while keeping it grounded and practical for therapists in the room.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re moving too fast in trauma work — or whether a client’s ambition is actually fear in disguise — this one’s for you.Key TakeawaysHow high achievement can actually be a trauma strategy.Sleepiness in session is rarely random.Are memories actually parts?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/JOHNConnect 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

What if you could access clarity, compassion, and grounded leadership in just a few minutes?In this short guided meditation, John invites you to pause and take inventory of what you’re carrying — from your professional roles to your personal responsibilities — and reconnect with Self energy. This practice helps you shift from doing to being, from reacting to leading from the heart. Whether you’re between sessions or starting your day, this 6-minute reset is a simple way to return to your center.3 Key TakeawaysDiscover what you are carrying right now that isn’t even yoursIdentify what would change if you led from your heart todayReveal where your Self Energy comes fromResources & 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/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast

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 TakeawaysIs 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/JOHNGrab 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

In this episode of Going Inside Live, John Clarke unpacks some of the most pressing questions therapists are facing today. From the ethical risks of moving too fast with exiles in IFS therapy, to how AI is already being used by clients and therapists alike, this episode offers grounded insight and practical advice. Whether you're navigating parts work or exploring how AI tools fit into your practice, John’s perspective will help you deepen your skill and awareness as a therapist.3 Key Takeaways:Why rushing toward exiles in IFS can backfire — and how to rebuild trust in the system when it happens.How therapists and clients are already using AI tools to process sessions — and the ethical gray areas to consider.A therapist's real role: Why "focusing, deepening, and relating" might be more important than fixing.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/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab 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

In this solo episode, John Clarke explores how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy reshapes the way therapists understand their clients, their work, and themselves. He answers live questions from fellow practitioners about numbness, blending, unburdening fallout, and parts that resist the IFS model entirely. With raw honesty and grounded clinical insight, John also shares how grief, meaninglessness, and therapist rescuing energy show up in the room—and how to handle it all with curiosity and compassion.If you're craving a deeper therapeutic experience—for your clients and yourself—this episode will guide you back to self-energy, presence, and purpose.3 Key Takeaways:Discover why a client “feeling nothing” may be the perfect place to begin, and how to access parts through thoughts, not just the body.Learn to notice when your own parts are activated and how “doing the U-turn” back to your system can shift the session entirely.What to do when clients’ systems resist change, unburdenings fall flat, or protectors don’t want to be seen as just “parts.”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/JOHNConnect with me:https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab 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

What does it really mean to integrate IFS and somatic work in a way that’s effective — not just for your clients, but for you as the therapist? In this live Q&A episode, John Clarke dives deep into the intersections of IFS, polyvagal theory, somatic therapy, and nervous system regulation. Whether you're navigating anxious clients, parts that over-intellectualize, or your own burnout, this episode offers grounded insights and powerful frameworks to help you heal and show up with more self-energy.3 Key TakeawaysWhy trying to “regulate” might actually shut down the trailhead — and how going toward dysregulation creates deeper healing.The real reason clients overthink and “can’t feel” — and what to do instead of pushing them into embodiment.Digital detox isn’t about willpower — it’s about meeting the parts that are addicted to distraction.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/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab 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

In this solo Going Inside Live episode, John Clarke dives deep into what to do when your IFS sessions hit a wall - when clients feel shut down, protectors won’t budge, and insight isn’t working. Whether you’re facing “I don’t know” responses, feeling stuck as a therapist, or unsure how to use direct access effectively, this episode gives you grounded, real-world strategies to move forward. Plus: John shares how he maps parts in-session, stays in Self, and supports clients (and himself) through stuckness.Key TakeawaysWhy insight isn’t always enough and what to do when your client says “I don’t know” or can’t connect with a partHow to use Direct Access in a way that doesn’t feel clunky including exact scripts and therapist mindset shiftsParts mapping made simple John’s favorite iPad-based method for tracking systems across sessionsResources & OfferingsFree IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast1-Month Grace Period with Jane – Use code JOHN or visit: https://meet.jane.app/john-clarke-ambassador10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE10% Off at Dharma Dr. – Use code JOHN or visit: https://dharmadr.com/JOHNConnect with mehttps://www.johnclarketherapy.com/https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapyhttps://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapyGrab 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

In this conversation, David Cooley, a restorative justice facilitator, and Jessica Fern, a seasoned therapist, explore the dynamic interplay of the inner critic, shame, and perfectionism. They unveil the 'shame triangle' and discuss how these parts can keep us stuck. The duo highlights the transformative power of turning the inner critic into a nurturing coach for self-healing. They also delve into how personal histories influence our shame narratives and the importance of redefining success beyond binary outcomes.