In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Crystal Hines to explore the transformative world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Together, they unpack the foundational concepts of IFS, from the protective roles of managers and firefighters to the tender vulnerabilities held by exiles. Crystal shares her personal healing journey with both IFS and EMDR, offering insight into the deep inner work that fosters emotional resilience and transformation.

The conversation weaves through the complexities of shame, the significance of self-energy, and the power of embracing all parts of oneself. Crystal and Nicky also dive into the spiritual dimensions of IFS, the influence of generational trauma, and the growing intersection of plant medicine and therapy. With compassion and clarity, they highlight the importance of therapist self-work and the healing potential found in external relationships. This episode is an invitation to move toward a more self-led life, grounded in curiosity, connection, and wholeness.

Takeaways:

• IFS is a therapeutic model created by Richard Schwartz.
• Protective parts develop to help us function in the world.
• Managers are proactive parts that prevent vulnerability.
• Firefighters are reactive parts that shut down feelings.
• Exiles carry the pain of past experiences.
• Shame often stems from a lack of co-regulation in childhood.
• Healing involves building a relationship with self-energy.
• Therapists must do their own work to support clients effectively.
• Self-energy is essential for healing and connection.
• Living a self-led life means embracing all parts of self.
• The best way to build access to self energy is to be with your parts.
• Triggers can be seen as opportunities for self-reflection and growth.
• Skepticism about parts work often stems from a part of the individual.
• Generational trauma can be addressed through personal healing work.
• Plant medicine may help protective parts feel safe enough to heal.
• IFS emphasizes the importance of external relationships in healing.
• Finding a qualified IFS therapist is crucial for effective therapy.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Crystal:

https://www.aligntherapyandconsultation.com/

https://www.aligntherapyandconsultation.com/ifs-emdr-certification

Internal Family Systems, IFS, therapy, trauma, self-energy, shame, mental health, EMDR, parts work, healing, IFS, self energy, parts work, triggers, generational trauma, epigenetics, plant medicine