Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out
Hosted by licensed trauma therapist John Clarke, LPCC, Going Inside is a podcast on a mission to help you heal from trauma and reconnect with your authentic Self. This show explores trauma healing through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with detours into EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and more. Tune in for enlightening guest expert interviews, immersive solo deep dives, real-life therapy sessions, and soothing guided meditations. Learn more about and apply to work 1-1 with John at https://www.johnclarketherapy.com.
Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out
Unblending and Direct Access with Mel Galbraith | Internal Family Systems Therapy
In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, I sit down with Mel Galbraith, a Level 3 IFS therapist and COO of IFSCA, to dive into the practical side of unblending and direct access in Internal Family Systems therapy. We explore what to do when clients struggle to "drop in" or when protectors resist stepping back, and Mel shares how to approach these situations with curiosity, patience, and flexibility. We also touch on the role of self-energy in creating safety, how to avoid bypassing protectors, and the balance between sticking to the model and meeting clients where they are.
Key Takeaways:
- Protectors resist unblending for a reason—curiosity and validation are key to earning their trust.
- Direct access can feel intimidating but is a natural and effective way to engage parts when insight work stalls.
- Prioritizing client safety and flexibility over rigidly following the model leads to deeper, more authentic healing.
Learn more about Mel:
https://www.youtube.com/@IFSCA
https://www.youtube.com/@mel.galbraith
https://www.facebook.com/p/ifsca-61563584521442/
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Resources:
- Use code: JOHN for a 1 month grace period with Jane or click HERE to get started!
- Receive 10% off a grounding product at Grounding Well with code GWJOHNCLARKE
- Join Pathways to Self - An IFS basics course for therapists and practitioners:
- Download my Free IFS Meditation
Connect with me:
https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy
https://www.youtube.com/@johnclarketherapy