About this episode

Dr. Alison Cook and Jenna Riemersma discuss how to navigate inner conflicts and find relief from feeling stuck.

What if the reason you feel stuck… isn’t because something is wrong with you, but because different parts of you are pulling in different directions? We all know that feeling: one part of you wants to follow through, while another part resists. And often, one side takes over… leaving you with regret or confusion afterward. In this episode, Dr. Alison is joined by IFS therapist and best-selling author Jenna Riemersma to explore what’s really happening beneath that inner conflict and how to respond differently. Because the goal isn’t to fight those parts of you. It’s to understand them. Together, they walk through Jenna’s simple, practical framework that helps you move toward yourself with curiosity and compassion instead of shame or control. You’ll explore: Why the parts of you that frustrate you most may be trying to help What keeps you stuck in the same inner battles again and again The surprising shift that can calm the conflict inside How to know when to share what’s happening inside you—and when it’s wiser to protect yourself What real relief can look like when you stop fighting yourself If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-criticism, or reacting in ways…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Alison Cook

Guest: Jenna Riemersma

Topics covered

• inner conflict
• self-understanding
• IFS therapy
• mental health
• self-compassion

Keywords

• inner conflict
• self-criticism
• IFS therapy
• mental health
• self-compassion
• overthinking
• emotional relief

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Move Toward

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