Intuitive Self: IFS + Intuition + Spirituality with Natalie Deering

In this episode I sit down with Heather Smith—Certified IFS therapist and founder of The Moxie School®—to explore the profound intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and psychedelic-assisted healing. Heather shares her deeply personal path into both IFS and psychedelics, sparked by a lifelong inquiry: How do people truly heal? Together, we dive into the ways psychedelic experiences can deepen parts work, the essential role of Self-energy in lasting transformation, and why healing doesn’t come from the medicine—but from within. _________________________ We Explore: Heather’s journey into IFS and expanded states of consciousness The deep synergy between IFS and psychedelics How MDMA can amplify Self-energy The power of witnessing parts in altered states Why preparation is non-negotiable before a medicine journey The consequences of skipping the prep and integration process The role of the IFS Self-led guide in enhancing psychedelic journeys What “integration” really means—and why it’s the completion, not the afterthought The myth that the medicine does the healing (hint: it’s your Self that does) Whether you’re a seasoned guide or curious about combining inner parts work with psychedelic tools, this episode is a must-listen. _______________________ About Heather Smith Heather Smith is a visionary in the field of psychedelic healing, uniquely bridging Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with expanded states of consciousness. A Certified IFS therapist (Levels 1–3) and frequent Program Assistant, Heather is the founder of The Moxie School®, where she trains facilitators in IFS-informed psychedelic support. Through immersive retreats and training programs, Heather empowers others to deepen their self-leadership, refine their facilitation skills, and embody the healing work at the deepest level. ___________________________ Resources & Links 🌐 Visit Heather’s work: www.moxieschool.com ✨ New Offering: How To Journey – An IFS-Informed, Self-Guided ExperiencePrepare, navigate, and integrate expanded states with over 20 hours of content—guided meditations, journaling prompts, and IFS teachings.💫 Just $197 USD → Click here to purchase _________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here! Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information. Thank you for the support! *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*

What if our inner parts weren’t just fragments of the psyche—but vessels designed to receive divine love? My guests today are Chelsea Odhner, Robert Falconer, and Jonathan S. Rose—co-authors of the new book Opening the Inner World: Spiritual Healing, Internal Family Systems, and Emanuel Swedenborg. Together, we explore the playful spirit that brought this project to life and the profound insights that emerged at the intersection of IFS therapy and Swedenborgian spirituality. We discuss Swedenborg’s life and legacy, the idea of spiritual awakening as universally accessible, and how our parts—when burdened—can block access to divine inflow. The authors share how Swedenborg’s theology aligns with the IFS model, especially around the belief that healing comes from within, through dialogue, compassion, and connection to something greater. This episode is a heartfelt, curious, and spiritually charged invitation to see your inner world not as a problem to fix—but as a sacred system ready to be witnessed, healed, and loved. __________________________ Topics We Explore: ✨ The joy and creativity behind writing Opening the Inner World📖 Who was Emanuel Swedenborg, and why do his teachings still matter?💫 Spiritual awakenings and how we all have access to the Divine🚪 Why parts can block that access—and how to gently open the door💞 The soul as a vessel for divine inflow, and parts as vessels too🗣 Why dialoguing with parts is essential—meditation alone isn’t enough🏡 “The internal household” and learning to relate to each part with reverence🌐 Porosity of the mind and the role of collective consciousness🧩 How Swedenborg’s teachings and IFS therapy beautifully complement one another ______________________ About the Guests: Chelsea Rose Odhner is a lifelong student of Swedenborg’s teachings, an IFS practitioner and coach, and the current Vice President of Publishing at the Swedenborg Foundation. Her work weaves theology, embodiment, and healing into a compassionate, grounded practice of spiritual development.🔗 https://locusofhealing.com Robert Falconer is a globally respected IFS educator and author of Many Minds, One Self and The Others Within Us. His work explores the porous nature of the psyche and the sacredness of all parts—especially those that carry burdens from beyond the self.🔗 http://robertfalconer.us Jonathan S. Rose, Ph.D., is a renowned Swedenborgian scholar and translator. As the Series Editor of the New Century Edition of Swedenborg’s works, he’s dedicated his life to making Swedenborg’s ideas accessible and actionable for modern spiritual seekers.🔗 https://swedenborg.com __________________________ Get the Book: Opening the Inner World: Spiritual Healing, Internal Family Systems, and Emanuel Swedenborg📖 On Amazon📖 From Swedenborg Foundation Upcoming Retreat: Chelsea is honored to be facilitating an in-person retreat hosted by the Swedenborg Foundation this summer:"Inflow: A Retreat for Embodying Swedenborg’s Ideas Through Internal Family Systems"📍 August 8–10, 2025 at Harmony Mountain House in Phillipsburg, NJ🧘‍♀️ Learn More & Register _________________________ This Episode is Sponsored by: Heart of Caldera IFS & Wellness: "Cultivating wholehearted connection with Self, each other, and the natural world." Website: ifswellness.com Retreat Information: ifswellness.com/ifs-retreats Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartofcalderaIFS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heart_of_caldera_ifs/ ____________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here! Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email ndwellness.services@t

What happens when a couple says “yes” to deep healing together—guided by MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and parts work? In this soulful and honest conversation, I’m joined by Steph and Craig, co-hosts of The Steph & Craig Show, to explore their transformative journeys with MDMA-assisted therapy through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, we talk about what it’s like to prepare for these powerful sessions, working with the parts that hold fear or doubt, and what can unfold when you surrender to the healing process. Steph and Craig open up about their unique experiences—both as individuals and as a couple. Craig describes a peaceful, heart-opening session, while Steph shares a more challenging journey that offered deep insight and emotional release. We also discuss the phenomenon of “redo” experiences—moments when the body and psyche reprocess past events in a new, healing way. Whether you're curious about MDMA therapy, IFS, or simply how couples can grow together through conscious exploration, this episode offers powerful takeaways about trust, safety, and self-discovery. ______________________ Topics We Discuss:- The preparation process for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy- Working with parts that feel fear, resistance, or uncertainty- Steph and Craig’s individual MDMA journeys—peaceful vs. intense- “Redo” experiences that can arise in altered states of healing- The role of integration and meaning-making after the session- How MDMA therapy deepened their connection as a couple- Why emotional safety is foundational for psychedelic healing- IFS as a guiding framework before, during, and after sessions ________________________ About Steph & Craig:Steph and Craig are the hosts of The Steph & Craig Show, a podcast that explores healing, emotional growth, spirituality, and the beautiful messiness of being human. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and soulful insights, they help listeners feel seen, supported, and inspired on their own inner journeys. ________________________ Connect with Steph & Craig:🌐 Website: stephandcraig.co📺 YouTube: @stephandcraig📘 Facebook: Steph and Craig📸 Instagram: @steph.and.craig🎵 TikTok: @stephandcraig📰 Substack: Steph & Craig on Substack 🎧 Tune in for an honest, intimate look at what happens when healing gets real—and you choose to walk the path together. ____________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here! Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information. Thank you for the support! *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*

What happens when you’ve had two open-heart surgeries before the age of 40, and you’re still fighting the healthcare system—every single day? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Jacob Kendall, healthcare advocate and metagerontologist, to talk about what it means to advocate like hell—for yourself, your loved ones, and the millions of people navigating chronic illness and a broken healthcare system. ______________________ We explore: - Jacob’s personal experience of having multiple heart surgeries and becoming a caregiver- How his life led him to multi-dimensional healthcare advocacy- The harms and complexity of the U.S. healthcare and insurance system- The internal debate among mental health professionals about whether to accept insurance- The debate between private and socialized medicine- The importance of honest conversations with providers and why doctors don’t always have all the answers- Why Jacob believes self-advocacy, assertiveness, and agency are the most essential tools we have Jacob speaks with radical clarity and lived experience about the intentional confusion of insurance, the need to normalize chronic disease, and how healing isn’t just medical—it’s emotional, systemic, and deeply personal. ________________________ About Dr. Jacob Kendall Dr. Jacob Kendall advocates like hell for people living with chronic illness, pain, and disability. Having undergone two open-heart surgeries and served as a caregiver for multiple family members, Jacob brings deep insight into the realities of the U.S. healthcare system. A metagerontologist with a broad background in biology, social work, public health, and theology, he blends science and soul in his work. Jacob is also the founder of TheSmartPatient.com, where he supports patients in navigating complex health systems and reclaiming their power. He currently lives on Mobile Bay in Alabama with his wife, son, and daughter. _______________________ Connect with Jacob & Learn More: 🌐 TheSmartPatient.com💼 Jacob on LinkedIn Tune in now for a conversation that’s honest, courageous, and full of clarity on what it means to show up for your health—and push back when the system fails you! _________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here! Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information. Thank you for the support! *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*

Longing and heartache—two deeply human experiences that touch us all. In this conversation with Susan Poznyansky, LICSW (they/them), founder of Heart of Caldera (HOC), we explore the tender terrain of what it means to long, ache, and hold space for the parts of us that carry these emotions. Susan and I share a love for lakes—their stillness, their depth—and reflect on the parts of us that feel more cautious around the vastness of the ocean. From this imagery, we dive into the three major themes of longing and heartache: 🌿 Longing for connection – the deep yearning to be seen and held.🌿 Longing for choices not made – the what-ifs, the parallel paths that remain unexplored.🌿 Grief for what we have had but no longer hold – the ache of change, transition, and loss. Throughout our conversation, we bring an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens to longing and heartache, exploring:🌀 The parts of us connected to longing—how they show up and what they need.🌀 Polarizations within our system—how internal conflicts influence the way we experience longing and heartache.🌀 Ways to be with longing rather than trying to fix, numb, or push it away. This episode is an invitation to sit with your longing, honor your heartache, and listen to the wisdom within both. Whether you resonate with deep-seated yearning, nostalgia, or grief, you are not alone in these experiences. ___________________________ About Susan Susan Poznyansky is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Heart of Caldera (HOC), a social enterprise dedicated to holding space for individuals as they cultivate self-compassion and personal courage on their journey to living fully and authentically. Through HOC, Susan co-guides with people on their unique paths to wholeness in this precious life experience. Identifying as non-binary, queer, neurodivergent (ADHD), and a person living with a chronic illness, Susan brings a deeply personal and compassionate approach to their work. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, and the first generation of their family born in the U.S. to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Susan's love for nature was nurtured during summers spent in the Borscht Belt. Now residing on the breathtaking Olympic Peninsula, the ancestral land of the Skokomish people, Susan enjoys fishing, writing, swimming, hiking, mushroom foraging, watching Marvel movies, hammocking, and indulging in their favorite hobby: hurkle-durkling (a cozy state of lounging). Susan is also a proud member of Jewish Voice for Peace and continues to create spaces for reflection, healing, and transformation. _______________________ Connect with Susan & Heart of Caldera 🌍 Website: ifswellness.com📷 Instagram: @heart_of_caldera_ifs📘 Facebook: Heart of Caldera IFS 💫 Explore Susan’s work, retreats, and offerings at Heart of Caldera—a space for deep healing, connection, and self-discovery. _______________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here! Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information. Thank you for the support! *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*

What if creativity could become one of your most powerful tools for self-discovery and healing? In this episode, I sit down with Lynn Motley, a licensed mental health therapist and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, to explore the powerful intersection of Soul Collage® and parts work. We dive into how Soul Collage® serves as a creative and intuitive practice to externalize and connect with different parts of ourselves, fostering self-discovery, healing, and integration. Lynn shares the “hints” (not rules!) of Soul Collage®, how to use it to represent polarized parts, and how to dialogue with your cards for deeper insight. We also discuss how the suits of Soul Collage® parallel aspects of IFS, and how intuitive and directive card-making can support emotional and spiritual growth. Whether you're new to Soul Collage® or a seasoned creator, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration that will leave you eager to pick up scissors, glue, and images to start your own healing journey. _____________________________ Topics Discussed: What is Soul Collage® and how does it work? The “hints” (not rules!) for making Soul Collage cards Weaving Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work into Soul Collage Representing polarized parts in cards Dialoguing with your cards for deeper insight Externalizing parts through visual expression Intuitive vs. directive card-making approaches Understanding the suits of Soul Collage® and their parallels with IFS The power of using “I am one who…” as a reflection tool Creative ways to use your Soul Collage® deck for ongoing self-discovery ____________________________ About Lynn Motley: Lynn Motley, LCSW, is a licensed mental health therapist, IFS practitioner, and Soul Collage facilitator dedicated to helping individuals and couples find wholeness and well-being through psychotherapy, movement, embodied learning, and creative arts. She integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Soul Collage® in her work, creating a non-pathologizing approach to self-discovery and healing. Lynn also teaches Radical Self-Care Yoga, facilitates monthly Soul Collage® gatherings, and leads workshops and retreats designed to foster personal transformation. She believes that life itself is a canvas for exploration, and that creativity and movement are powerful tools for deeper self-understanding. She lives in Lexington, KY, with her husband and enjoys hiking, mixed media art, Soul Collage, yoga, and dancing. _______________________________ Connect with Lynn Motley: 🌎 Website: www.lynnmotley.com📧 Email: lynnmotleylcsw@gmail.com📞 Phone: 859-948-5817 ___________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here! Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information. Thank you for the support! *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*

In this powerful and enlightening episode, I sit down with Natalie Hoffman, author of All the Scary Little Gods, to discuss her journey of deconstructing from emotional and spiritual abuse, and helping others do the same. We explore the deep work of deprogramming from rigid belief systems and aligning your faith with your core values. Natalie Hoffman shares insights on alleviating shame tied to mental health and faith, and how writing from and for your parts can facilitate profound healing. Together, we dive into the impacts of spiritual abuse, the challenge of being excommunicated by your church and family for questioning religious institutions, and the lies that rigid beliefs instill—such as the idea that faith and God are confined to a church. Natalie Hoffman offers hope and wisdom for overcoming the fear and shame perpetuated by these systems, and the courage it takes to speak out, especially as a woman. We also explore the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, including empathetic witnessing, solo parts work, and how to use these tools for healing, emotional intelligence, and reclaiming your spirituality. This episode is for anyone questioning their faith, seeking to break free from fear-based religious programming, or searching for a deeper connection to their true self and spiritual beliefs. _______________________ Topics Discussed: Natalie’s book, All the Scary Little Gods Helping women with spiritual and emotional abuse in religious contexts Deprogramming and deconstructing from rigid belief systems Aligning faith with core values and personal resonance Alleviating shame connected to mental health and faith Writing from parts to connect with parts The power of empathetic witnessing in IFS therapy Solo parts work for healing and emotional intelligence Impacts of spiritual abuse on mental health Being excommunicated by a church or family for questioning beliefs Fear and shame created by rigid religious programming The lie that God and faith are confined to a church Letting go of fear instilled by religious teachings Speaking out and reclaiming your voice as a woman Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that will challenge you to explore, heal, and redefine your relationship with faith and spirituality. ___________________ Natalie Hoffman is the author of Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage and All the Scary Little Gods, as well as the host of the Flying Free podcast. A mother, grandmother, educator, and passionate advocate, Natalie is dedicated to empowering women of faith in abusive homes and religious communities. Through her Flying Free Sisterhood program, Natalie provides education, support, and mentorship, helping women discover their voices, embrace their gifts, and make adult choices for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Listeners can connect with Natalie and access resources on her website at www.flyingfreenow.com. By signing up on her homepage, you'll receive a free chapter of her book Is It Me? and its companion workbook. This chapter is designed to help assess whether you're in an emotionally abusive relationship—an often confusing experience for many victims. Discover more about Natalie’s work and her mission to inspire healing and freedom for women of faith. ____________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________ Donate to the podcast Here! Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100! Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information. Thank you for the support! *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*