Why You’re Not One Person - You’re a Whole Internal System
Don’t be afraid to Talk - Podcast with James LumumbaShow Notes
Ready to publishYour anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, and even self-sabotage may not be the real problem. Trauma specialist John Clarke reveals how Internal Family Systems helps you stop fighting yourself and start healing the parts that are running your life.If you have ever thought, “Why do I keep doing this?” this conversation will hit home. James and John unpack the IFS model in a way that is simple to understand but surprisingly powerful in practice, showing how wounded parts, protectors, and the core Self all interact—and why so much of what we call personality is actually protection.You'll discover: Why IFS says we are all made up of parts, and why that idea can be deeply freeing The difference between exiles, managers, and firefighters, and how each one tries to protect you How perfectionism, people-pleasing, drinking, binge eating, procrastination, and defensiveness can all function as protective strategies What “blending” and “unblending” mean, and how to tell when a part has taken over How self-leadership works through the 8 C’s: compassion, curiosity, clarity, creativity, calm, confidence, courage, and connectedness Why healing often starts by approaching your inner world with the same care you would give a scared child
John also explains why parts are not enemies to eliminate, but protectors with good intentions that are often trying to keep shame, fear, and old pain from flooding the system. He walks through how IFS works in therapy, how unburdening helps wounded parts release what they’ve been carrying, and why curiosity is often more effective than control.The stakes are bigger than symptom management. When you only shame the part of you that drinks, avoids, explodes, or shuts down, you miss the fear underneath it. This episode shows a different path—one that can help you relate to yourself with more compassion, make sense of your reactions, and create real change from the inside out.Perfect for anyone who feels stuck in cycles they can't talk themselves out of, or for therapists and curious listeners who want a clear, compassionate introduction to IFS and trauma healing.Guest credibility: John Clarke, LPCC, is a trauma specialist in San Francisco who focuses on Internal Family Systems and works with clients and therapists to heal trauma from the inside out. He also shares practical meditations and teaches the model through his work online. Follow: Jon Clarke INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/ WEBSITE: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/John-Clarke-Therapy/61555896487064/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@GoingInsideLive
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy If you would like to share your story and help inspire othersor have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation. Follow The Show: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
Help information If you need help please talk to friends, family, a GP,therapist or one of the free confidential helpline services. For a full list ofnational mental health services see yourmentalhealth.ie.
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