
Show Notes
In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, I chat with Terry Baranski, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, about some fresh, non-traditional ways to tackle anxiety.
Terry shares his interesting path from computer science to therapy, stressing how crucial it is to understand trauma and the mind-body connection. We also take a closer look at why some traditional therapies miss the mark and explore how IFS and compassionate inquiry can lead to real healing and self-compassion.
Join us for an insightful conversation that might just change your perspective on anxiety!
Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.
PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX
______________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
01:44 - Terry Baranski's Background
03:04 - Critique of Traditional Therapy
04:37 - IFS Therapy Overview
05:48 - The Importance of Curiosity in Therapy
07:30 - Analogy of Itching and Scratching
09:45 - Managing vs. Healing Anxiety
11:24 - Mind-Body Connection
12:29 - Critique of Somatic Approaches
13:22 - Integration of Mind and Body in Therapy
16:17 - Overview of IFS Parts
18:04 - Self-Compassion in IFS
19:56 - Trauma and Energy Disruption
22:06 - Conflict Among Parts
23:01 - Self-Blame in Childhood Trauma
25:43 - Repetition Compulsion
26:44 - Anger as a Defense Mechanism
27:46 - Negative Self-Perception
28:09 - Dissociation and Coping Strategies
29:29 - The Role of Self in Healing
31:03 - Childhood Trauma and the Amygdala
32:29 - Connecting Body and Mind
33:20 - Age Regression in Emotional Reactions
36:06 - Recognizing Triggers as Guidepost
37:10 - Healthy Expression of Anger
38:48 - Understanding Trauma and Healing
39:55 - Building Trust with the Self
41:35 - Child Development and Trust
42:04 - The Impact of Trauma on Trust
43:45 - Ego Dragon and Panic Attacks
44:56 - Rapid Trust Development in Therapy
45:29 - Personal Journey of Confidence
46:26 - Sensitivity and Trauma
47:13 - Healing from the Bottom Up
48:07 - Self-Compassion and Trauma
48:58 - Clearing Trauma for Emotional Freedom
50:07 - Coping Strategies vs. Healing
51:24 - Gradual Exposure to Emotional Pain
52:55 - The Midlife Crisis and Healing
53:22 - Cold Plunge Analogy
54:36 - Building Resilience Through Discomfort
56:09 - Preference for Healing Over Discomfort
57:21 - Empowerment through Facing Pain
58:49 - A Different Path in Therapy
59:37 - Finding Terry Online
More from Anxiety Rx
What if worrying is just your mind’s way of trying to stop you from worrying? In this episode, I pull apart the myth that positive thinking can cure anxiety. The alarm in the body and the worries in the mind feed each other in a loop that never ends. Childhood separation leaves a mark when you aren’t seen, heard, or protected, and that’s where the alarm takes root. Growing up with a father who had schizophrenia, I learned to escape into worry as my coping strategy. The real healing began when I turned toward the younger version of myself and felt what I’d spent years running from.
What if the real scam isn’t the robocall, but the idea that your worth is measured in dollars? In this episode, the lie that money can replace human connection takes center stage. A medical system built on billing codes pushed me to trade care for speed, and that disconnection fueled my own anxiety. Scams, ads, and constant grabs for attention keep the nervous system on high alert. The “monetization fairy” gets called out for what it is, and simple practices bring us back to intrinsic value and genuine human connection.
What if being “too sensitive” isn’t a flaw but the hidden root of your anxiety?
Ever pushed yourself to eat clean and work out, hoping it would calm your anxiety, only to feel even worse? Here’s why it happens…
What if burnout isn’t failure, but your body’s protective shutdown? In this episode, I open up about burning out as a doctor and why it went far beyond just being tired. Burnout showed up as a split between my mind pushing forward and the younger part of me saying, “I can’t do this anymore.” The mask of “Dr. Russell Kennedy” gave me income, status, and validation, but it also crushed my sense of self.