In this episode, John Clarke answers therapists' questions about applying Internal Family Systems (IFS) in real clinical practice. Learn how to begin an IFS session, recognize when your own therapist parts are activated, work skillfully with client triggers, and approach even highly protective parts with curiosity, compassion, and confidence.

John Clarke talks with Emily Barker, founder of Emily Jane Guidance, about the narcissistic abuse cycle, trauma bonding, and why leaving isn't as simple as it looks—through both a clinical and IFS lens.

In this episode of Going Inside Live, John Clarke answers therapist questions about some of the most common challenges in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, including working with protectors, accessing exiles, recognizing self-like parts, and navigating storytelling in sessions. John explores why rushing toward exiles can undermine safety, how therapists can deepen client work without forcing the process, and what it truly means to practice from self-energy.

In this live Q&A episode of Going Inside, John Clarke answers some of the most common questions therapists have about Internal Family Systems, including how to recognize true Self-energy, work with protectors, and navigate diagnoses like ADHD from an IFS perspective. Along the way, he shares why slowing down, honoring hesitation, and building trust with the system are often the keys to deeper healing.

In this live Q&A episode, John Clarke answers listener questions about IFS therapy, shame, addiction, protectors, and self-energy. He explores why therapists often burn themselves out by working harder than their clients, why slowing down is essential for healing, and what it really means to trust the client’s system in the therapeutic process. 

In this live Q&A episode, John Clarke answers listener questions about IFS therapy, shame, addiction, protectors, and self-energy. He explores why therapists often burn themselves out by working harder than their clients, why slowing down is essential for healing, and what it really means to trust the client’s system in the therapeutic process. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Teddy Knebel, an IFS therapist and long-time Program Assistant for IFS trainings, to explore what it really looks like to grow into your voice as a therapist. We talk about the anxiety that shows up when learning IFS, how to relate to parts that want to “get it right,” and why trusting your own unique style is essential to effective therapy. If you’re new to IFS or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation will help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected in your work.