What happens when military service, racial trauma, profound loss, and EMDR converge into a path of healing, purpose, and compassion? In this powerful episode of Empowered Through Compassion, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Arielle Jordan. She is an army veteran, trauma therapist, EMDR consultant and trainer, author, and advocate whose work sits at the intersection of lived experience and evidence-based healing. Dr. Jordan shared her experience serving in the military as a Black woman and mother, naming both the strength she developed through service and the racism she endured within military systems, and her devastating loss of her daughter and father in a short period of time. Her story is an inspirational one, where she was able to move through adversary with grace and determination. Dr. Jordan spoke with honesty about how EMDR became not just a professional modality, but a deeply personal pathway for healing. We explored how trauma lives in the body and how compassionate, attuned therapy can help people metabolize pain that feels unbearable. Her work brings a vital racial trauma lens to EMDR, reminding clinicians and clients alike that trauma is often both personal and systemic, and must be treated with humility, cultural awareness, and care. Her incredible books are: Holding Space: My Story of Grief, Remembering, and Thriving After Traumatic Loss United We Serve, United We Heal. Find out more about Dr. Jordan here: https://www.ariellenjordan.com/ #EmpoweredThroughCompassion #TraumaHealing #TherapyPodcast #HealingConversations #CompassionCentered #EMDRTherapy#EMDRConsultant #TraumaInformedCare#Psychotherapy #TherapistLife #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryTrauma #GriefAndHealing #LossAndResilience#InvisibleWounds #RacialTrauma #BlackTherapists #HealingJustice #SystemicTrauma #RelationalHealing#NervousSystemHealing #AttachmentHealing #HealingTogether #PodcastEpisode #NewEpisode #MustListen #DeepHealing

Welcome to this latest episode. I am so thrilled to welcome back Jamie Marich to the podcast. In this episode we returned to Wicked and dove into a discussion about how Wicked: For Good can connect to therapy, trauma, parts, and of course politics. Jamie is a leader in trauma treatment, EMDR, dissociation, queer-affirming healing, and expressive arts therapy. They are also the author of many important books and a powerful voice in the trauma community. So, Jamie was a perfect guest to speak about how deeply Wicked has touched both of our systems, and how we can connect this powerful story to our work in the field. We explored some of the symbolic language of the movie, and how the narrative could be integrated into trauma work. Wicked offers a story about oppression, identity, longing, courage, and hope. We can also see our political climate of fear and manipulation reflected in this story. The resistance to this, we learn, is friendship.  A powerful message of this movie was how we can see things from multiple perspectives. It was great riffing on this with Jamie in this episode. We explored how Glinda was able to step outside of her "bubble" and observe some of the ways she was adding to the evil of the universe. For my system it was also so interesting to see the multi-dimensional aspects of Glinda, and how she had a lot of sadness that was being exiled in her system. It was so much fun to speak with Jamie about the magic in this movie, and about the magic of being a part of multiple worlds (such as Elphaba). Stepping out of our perspective, and being able to hold the multiplicity really does seem to enable magic!  We even got a chance to speak about Jamie's new book, Queering EMDR, which is such a gift to the therapy community! I hope you enjoy this special episode!   You can learn more about Jamie's work at: jamiemarich.com Jamie's newest published book: instituteforcreativemindfulness.com/queering-emdr. Jamie's Substack: jamiemarich.substack.com David's Substack: empoweredthroughcompassion.substack.com.  

In this episode of Empowered Through Compassion, I sit down with psychologist Dr. Tori Olds to explore the simple and profound act of slowing down. Tori is known for her clarity, depth, and ability to translate complex emotional processes into something the body can feel. Our conversation centers on what becomes possible when we pause long enough to listen to the quiet truths living inside us. Together we explore Coherence Therapy and the idea that symptoms are not random. They are expressions of implicit emotional learning. These learnings often formed early in life, outside of conscious awareness, and continue to shape how we protect ourselves. Coherence Therapy gives us a way to bring these emotional truths into the light, making the implicit explicit. When people can see the juxtapositions or mismatches between what they consciously believe and what their inner emotional world holds as true, real transformation becomes possible. Tori and I also talk about the elegance in the language and pacing of Internal Family Systems. Both of us have found that integration of models invites a more complete picture to understand how our inner systems are structured, and how we can heal trauma.  If you have ever felt stuck in the same emotional patterns, or sensed that something deeper is guiding your reactions, this conversation offers insight into what is going on in your mind and how it connects to your emotional history. This episode is an invitation to turn toward all of it with compassion.   #EmpoweredThroughCompassion#IFS #InternalFamilySystems #CoherenceTherapy #TraumaHealing #SomaticTherapy #EmotionalLearning #PartsWork #SelfLeadership #MindBodyConnection #TherapistLife #HealingJourney #ToriOlds #PodcastEpisode #NeuroscienceAndTrauma #PresentMomentHealing    

In this episode of Empowered through Compassion, I sit down with psychotherapist, trauma expert and peace-journalism pioneer Annabel McGoldrick to explore one of the most urgent humanitarian crises of our time: the crisis in Palestine. We spoke about how healing works, and the importance of connection, balance and equality. Annabel brings together nearly 25 years as a clinician specializing in trauma, EMDR and IFS-informed therapy, alongside her earlier career and passion in peace journalism. She has a deep commitment to opening up dialogue even for difficult and needed topics. We speak about how the silencing by our field, of the horrors that have been going on in Palestine feels antithetical to the healing work we are tasked to do. Together, we explore how the story of Gaza has been told, and discuss how it might be re-told in ways that reclaim the voices of the those who continue to be oppressed and subjugated in this space.  Annabel's event that she is organizing is called "Breaking the Silence: Trauma Therapists Talk about Gaza." Gabor Mate will be the guest of honor. You can buy tickets here:  https://events.humanitix.com/breaking-the-silence-trauma-therapists-talk-about-gaza The event will feature trauma therapists and activists to share wisdom and reflect on what it takes to truly listen to Palestinian voices, to understand deep collective wounds, and to consider how trauma-informed care intersects with humanitarian justice. There will be emotionally powerful conversation, reminding us that amid conflict and pain, we have the power to listen to provide our presence, which are radical acts of peace!  If you’re drawn to conversations that sit at the intersection of power, trauma, identity and hope, this episode is for you! I’m deeply grateful to Annabel for her generosity of voice and for modeling what it looks like to hold suffering with complexity and dignity. You can find out more information about Annabel at her website: https://emdrinsight.com 

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/