The Empowered Through Compassion Podcast

In this special livestream episode of Empowered Through Compassion, David and Heather are joined by an extraordinary panel of contributors from the book IFS-Informed EMDR: Creative and Collaborative Approaches for an amazing conversation exploring foundational frameworks that shape trauma healing. Together, Bridger Falkenstien, David Archer, Michelli Simpson, Athena Phillips, and Laura Kosak discuss the relational and systemic dimensions of healing, including: intersubjectivity, anti-racist psychotherapy, dissociation and spirituality. We even bring up topics such as predictive processing, structural dissociation, and revolutionary joy! We look at the role that culture and identity plays in therapy. Throughout the conversation, a shared thread emerges: healing does not happen in isolation. Trauma exists within systems, relationships, histories, and bodies. As a result, healing often requires compassionate attunement within a relational space. This discussion explores how therapists can move beyond techniques and toward a deeper understanding of the therapeutic relationship itself as part of the healing process. The panel reflects on the importance of slowing down, listening to protective systems, cultivating consent and of course being mindful of co-regulation. We can honor spirituality by understanding how people make meaning of their surroundings and their inner world. This episode is for therapists, healers, and anyone interested in the evolving intersection of EMDR, IFS, attachment, dissociation, systems thinking, and relational trauma healing. THEMES DISCUSSED IFS-informed EMDR Dissociation and structural dissociation Predictive processing and memory reconsolidation Intersubjective and relational healing Trauma and systemic oppression Anti-racist psychotherapy Spirituality and meaning-making Co-regulation and consent Therapist parts and relational presence GUEST HIGHLIGHTS Bridger Falkenstein Bridger discusses Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP), intersubjectivity, and the importance of understanding therapy as a relational field rather than a one-person psychology. He explores the “window and mirror” metaphor and how therapists must remain aware of both the client’s experience and their own presence within the room. Website: https://beyondhealingcenter.com David Archer David Archer explores anti-racist psychotherapy, systems awareness, predictive processing, and the relationship between trauma, oppression, dissociation, and culture. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients within broader systemic and historical contexts. Website: https://archertherapy.com/ Michelle Simpson Michelle highlights the importance of recognizing the systems surrounding both therapist and clients. She speaks about cultural identity, embodied dissociation, and how therapists can become allies to disempowered and subjugated people. Specifically, she shares importance of being a compassionate witnesses and advocating for clients who are threatened by the larger culture. Website: https://www.spirosperopllc.com/ Athena Phillips Athena shares powerful insights on structural dissociation, fragmentation, consent, pacing, and co-regulation. She explores how dissociation can be understood as an adaptive survival strategy and emphasizes the importance of slowing down and gaining permission within trauma work. Website: https://athenaphillips.com/ Laura Kakalec Laura discusses spirituality, meaning-making, transpersonal healing, and the importance of helping clients reconnect with a larger sense of belonging and connection. She also reflects on the emerging relationship between AI, emotional support, and the human longing for connection and meaning. Website: https://laurakosak.com/ ABOUT THE BOOK IFS-Informed EMDR: Creative and Collaborative Approaches explores the evolving integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Featuring a diverse group of contributors, the

In this episode of Empowered Through Compassion, I sit down with Sarah Cameron to explore the heart of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how it comes alive not just as a technique, but as a way of being. Our conversation moves beyond skills and into something deeper, "the spirit", and how it parallels "Self-energy" in Internal Family Systems. We talk about Sarah’s work at Amiga and her passion for helping clinicians embody the spirit of PACE in real-world conversations. This is a feeling of Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion and Empowerment, which is foundational for MI. We discuss how these words are not just "check boxes" we have to fill out and "do", but rather, that are qualities that we continue to access and live throughout our lives. MI can be added to IFS-informed EMDR, not as a competing model, but as a complementary path that adds more dimensions of what can be possible through therapy. I share my own journey with MI, and how it provided me with a language which opened up space for me to really listen and reflect change as it was happening in the therapy space. Sarah and I connected around what it means to build bridges across models, and disrupt feelings of being in a community without integration might feel siloed. This conversation is about presence, about hope, and about what becomes possible when we begin to embody the spirit of the work we are doing. Themes of episode The spirit of Motivational Interviewing as reflected in P.A.C.E. MI as a way of being, not just a set of techniques Parallels between MI spirit and Self energy in IFS “Lending hope” becoming a “hope merchant” two ways of communicating something extremely valuable Integration of MI, IFS, and EMDR in clinical practice Moving toward collaborative frameworks Suggesting there are some discussions and spaces where the focus on change talk might not fit. About Sarah Sarah Cameron is a Motivational Interviewing trainer and leader within the MINT community. She is deeply involved in advancing MI as a developmental and relational practice, helping clinicians move beyond technique into embodiment of MI spirit. Through her work with Amiga, she focuses on cultivating real-world application of MI in a way that is sustainable, human, and transformative. Sarah's books Sarah has contributed to several important works in the field of Motivational Interviewing: Becoming MI introduces the MI Metamorphosis Map and reframes MI as a developmental journey, offering guidance for trainers, supervisors, and clinicians to meet people where they are and support growth over time. The Aspirational Spirit of Motivational Interviewing explores how the true depth of MI lies not just in mastering techniques, but in embodying its spirit as an ongoing, evolving process. Ask-Offer-Ask: Bringing Motivational Interviewing to Life in Child Welfare offers a practical framework for navigating difficult conversations, especially in high-pressure environments, using a simple and effective MI-informed structure. Resources Amiga: https://amigallc.com/ Sarah website: https://www.ignitingchangeco.com/ Empowered Through Compassion is a podcast exploring the integration of Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. Through these compassionate conversations, we aim to deepen our understanding of trauma and healing. We hope that information here can inspire connection and support to both clinicians and individuals.

In this deeply moving and expansive conversation, David sits down with Soulla Demetriou, author, coach, and founder of Soulshine Retreats, to explore the heart of self-compassion and what it means to truly feel “enough.” Soulla shares how her work integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, mindfulness, and ancient wisdom traditions to help people reconnect with their inner world. At the center of her approach is a powerful idea: that the body holds deep wisdom, and that healing begins when we learn to listen. Together, David and Soulla explore the natural alignment between IFS and somatic practices, including yoga, and how both invite us into a more compassionate relationship with ourselves. They reflect on how safety, presence, and awareness open the door to new ways of responding to our inner experiences, rather than reacting from old patterns. Soulla also shares vulnerably about her own journey with complex trauma and how it shaped her path toward this work. Her upcoming book, You Have Always Been Enough, was born from a core question many of us carry: Am I enough? This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful path forward, highlighting how healing is not about fixing ourselves, but about building a compassionate relationship with the parts of us that have long felt unseen. Key Themes Self-compassion is a foundation of healing There can be a natural integration between IFS and somatic practices The body as a source of wisdom and awareness The space between stimulus and response is where our freedom is Reparenting and building internal safety help us set boundaries “Not being enough” is a universal wound Healing as both personal and relational About Soulla Demetriou Soulla Demetriou is an author, transformation and somatic coach, and founder of Soulshine Retreats. With over 15 years of experience facilitating transformational work, she integrates Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, somatic practices, and ancient wisdom traditions to support deep healing and self-connection. Her work centers on self-compassion and the belief that we are inherently worthy and whole. Drawing from her own lived experience, including complex trauma and neurodivergence, Soulla offers a deeply embodied and relational approach to healing. Her upcoming book, You Have Always Been Enough: An Inner Guide to Self-Love and Inner Freedom, releases April 9, 2026. Resources Mentioned Soulla’s Website: www.withsoulla.com Book: You Have Always Been Enough Instagram: www.instagram.com/withsoulla Pre-order links: Kindle (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Have-Always-Been-Enough-ebook/dp/B0FD94DV6W International: https://www.waterstones.com/book/you-have-always-been-enough/soulla-demetriou/9780008403577 US (Sept 2026): https://www.amazon.com/You-Have-Always-Been-Enough/dp/0008403570 Bonus: Pre-orders before April 23 include access to a complimentary one-day Self-Compassion Retreat (April 24) The Empowered Through Compassion podcast explores trauma healing at the crossroads of Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. Through meaningful conversations with leading voices in the field, David and Heather create a space for reflection, learning, and connection, helping therapists and humans alike deepen their understanding of healing, relationship, and compassion.

In this episode of the Empowered Through Compassion podcast, David Polidi speaks with Pastor Michael Neely about domestic abuse, faith, and the responsibility of religious communities to protect those who are suffering. Pastor Neely is the author of Black Eyes and Sweet Talk: A Biblical Perspective on Domestic Violence. Drawing from years of pastoral counseling, he challenges harmful messages that survivors sometimes hear within faith communities, including the belief that God expects people to remain in abusive marriages. Instead, Pastor Neely offers a clear and compassionate perspective: abuse has no place in a healthy relationship, and faith communities must prioritize safety, dignity, and truth. During the conversation, Pastor Neely shares powerful stories from his ministry, including a woman who came to him in such deep distress that she was considering ending her life. These moments highlight how critical it is for pastors, counselors, and communities to recognize abuse and respond in ways that support safety rather than spiritualizing suffering. David and Pastor Neely also explore the relationship between therapy and faith. Rather than existing in opposition, both pastoral care and trauma-informed therapy can work together to help people heal and reclaim their sense of worth and freedom. Pastor Neely also discusses themes from his developing work examining generational trauma, including how patterns of violence in the Black community may trace back to the historical legacy of slavery and corporal punishment. This conversation invites both therapists and faith leaders to consider how compassion, honesty, and trauma awareness can create communities where survivors are protected and healing becomes possible. In this episode we explore • Domestic violence within faith communities• The dangers of encouraging survivors to remain in abusive marriages• How pastors and therapists can work together to support healing• Stories from pastoral counseling and crisis intervention• Generational trauma and the historical roots of violence Guest Pastor Michael Neely is a pastor, counselor, and author focused on addressing domestic violence within faith communities. He is the author of Black Eyes and Sweet Talk: A Biblical Perspective on Domestic Violence, which challenges harmful theological messages that can keep survivors trapped in abusive relationships and encourages churches to respond with truth, protection, and compassion. Resources Mentioned Black Eyes and Sweet Talk: A Biblical Perspective on Domestic ViolencePastor Michael Neely’s website: blackeyessweettalk.com Connect with Empowered Through Compassion Websiteempoweredthroughcompassion.com Instagram@empowered.through.compassion Podcast Description The Empowered Through Compassion podcast explores trauma healing, compassionate leadership, and the integration of therapeutic approaches such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. Hosted by trauma therapist David Polidi, the podcast brings together therapists, authors, educators, and community leaders who are working to create spaces of safety, dignity, and healing in the world. Each conversation invites listeners to explore the intersection of psychology, relationships, and compassionate systems change.

In this episode of Empowered Through Compassion, I speak with Brooke Kekos, trauma recovery mentor, clinical hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and author of Shattered, Broken, & Beautiful: Losing My Religion and Finding Faith. Brooke was raised in a third-generation Jehovah’s Witness family and shares her courageous journey of leaving a high-control religious environment and breaking free from patterns of emotional and relational abuse. Our conversation explores religious trauma, identity loss, nervous system dysregulation, and the long, layered process of reclaiming self-trust. Brooke reflects on moving from indoctrination and shame toward autonomy, integration, and spiritual awakening on her own terms. What makes this conversation so powerful is Brooke’s authenticity. She holds a deep honesty and a profound hope. We talk about how high-control systems shape belief and how healing begins with trusting your inner wisdom. Brooke beautifully describes change as “planting seeds,” in others to help them have space for their own inner truth. In this way, we can help others reclaim their radical and beautiful authenticity.

Episode Summary: In this conversation, we explore what it really means to understand IFS as a relational therapy. Alyce and I discuss how attention itself is relational, how Self-energy becomes an internal secure base. Everything happening inside our system shapes how we show up in our external relationships. We talk about titrating small changes, noticing shifts in Self-energy, and reframing “triggers” as trailheads into deeper awareness and healing. This episode invites you to see IFS not simply as a model of parts, but as a pathway toward secure internal attachment and relational integration with ourselves and others. If you’re interested in how IFS and attachment theory deepen trauma work and everyday relationships, this episode offers both clinical clarity and practical insight. Topics Discussed: How attention itself is relationalWhy IFS is fundamentally a relational therapyNoticing and strengthening Self-energyReframing triggers as trailheadsTitrating small shifts instead of forcing changeHow internal relationships shape external onesGently leading and creating boundaries with our children About Our Guest: Alyce Messer, LCSW-S, is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and IFS Level 2-trained therapist specializing in complex trauma and therapist wellness. She integrates EMDR and IFS to help clinicians and clients cultivate differentiation, Self-leadership, and healing through secure internal attachment. At its core, this conversation is about how the core of healing is really cultivating relationship, both with ourselves and others.

In this episode we sit down with Dr. Kendhal Hart, clinician, educator, author and trauma expert who has spent years refining how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be brought together in a structured, relational, and highly usable way. Dr. Hart’s work helps therapists move beyond seeing these models as separate tools and toward an integration that honors both clinical structure and the lived experience of clients. A central theme of our conversation is how couples therapy can be relational, safety-focused, and bring in elements of trauma and parts. We also reflect on making therapy more accessible for people with diverse nervous systems and learning styles — specifically how clinicians can be taught more specific about strategies in IFS to help them understand concepts of direct access and Self. Dr. Hart is the author of Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS: A Clinician’s Guide to Integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy with Internal Family Systems, the first full-length book dedicated to this integration. This guide offers clear, practical steps for integrating IFS across all eight phases of EMDR, and it has become one of our favorite resources, together with my book, for clinicians seeking depth, coherence, and compassion in trauma work. If you are a clinician interested in thoughtful, grounded, and relational trauma therapy, this conversation is for you! Check out Dr. Hart's website here: kendhalhart.com Check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Treating-Trauma-EMDR-IFS-Desensitization/dp/1648487076/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19GPVFUYOZ2X2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dJHFPN7PsVEdJS-txTB1OIkvKCpE3Iuhazeep5zeOOU.w0xvDgDGUIJTPgbsiBETYStLgdw2mwHSESa00afmi8o&dib_tag=se&keywords=kendall+hart&qid=1768189580&sprefix=kendhal+hart%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1

Welcome to this latest episode. I am so thrilled to welcome back Jamie Marich to the podcast. In this episode we returned to Wicked and dove into a discussion about how Wicked: For Good can connect to therapy, trauma, parts, and of course politics. Jamie is a leader in trauma treatment, EMDR, dissociation, queer-affirming healing, and expressive arts therapy. They are also the author of many important books and a powerful voice in the trauma community. So, Jamie was a perfect guest to speak about how deeply Wicked has touched both of our systems, and how we can connect this powerful story to our work in the field. We explored some of the symbolic language of the movie, and how the narrative could be integrated into trauma work. Wicked offers a story about oppression, identity, longing, courage, and hope. We can also see our political climate of fear and manipulation reflected in this story. The resistance to this, we learn, is friendship. A powerful message of this movie was how we can see things from multiple perspectives. It was great riffing on this with Jamie in this episode. We explored how Glinda was able to step outside of her "bubble" and observe some of the ways she was adding to the evil of the universe. For my system it was also so interesting to see the multi-dimensional aspects of Glinda, and how she had a lot of sadness that was being exiled in her system. It was so much fun to speak with Jamie about the magic in this movie, and about the magic of being a part of multiple worlds (such as Elphaba). Stepping out of our perspective, and being able to hold the multiplicity really does seem to enable magic! We even got a chance to speak about Jamie's new book, Queering EMDR, which is such a gift to the therapy community! I hope you enjoy this special episode! You can learn more about Jamie's work at: jamiemarich.com Jamie's newest published book: instituteforcreativemindfulness.com/queering-emdr. Jamie's Substack: jamiemarich.substack.com David's Substack: empoweredthroughcompassion.substack.com.

In this episode of Empowered through Compassion, I sit down with psychotherapist, trauma expert and peace-journalism pioneer Annabel McGoldrick to explore one of the most urgent humanitarian crises of our time: the crisis in Palestine. We spoke about how healing works, and the importance of connection, balance and equality. Annabel brings together nearly 25 years as a clinician specializing in trauma, EMDR and IFS-informed therapy, alongside her earlier career and passion in peace journalism. She has a deep commitment to opening up dialogue even for difficult and needed topics. We speak about how the silencing by our field, of the horrors that have been going on in Palestine feels antithetical to the healing work we are tasked to do. Together, we explore how the story of Gaza has been told, and discuss how it might be re-told in ways that reclaim the voices of the those who continue to be oppressed and subjugated in this space. Annabel's event that she is organizing is called "Breaking the Silence: Trauma Therapists Talk about Gaza." Gabor Mate will be the guest of honor. You can buy tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/breaking-the-silence-trauma-therapists-talk-about-gaza The event will feature trauma therapists and activists to share wisdom and reflect on what it takes to truly listen to Palestinian voices, to understand deep collective wounds, and to consider how trauma-informed care intersects with humanitarian justice. There will be emotionally powerful conversation, reminding us that amid conflict and pain, we have the power to listen to provide our presence, which are radical acts of peace! If you’re drawn to conversations that sit at the intersection of power, trauma, identity and hope, this episode is for you! I’m deeply grateful to Annabel for her generosity of voice and for modeling what it looks like to hold suffering with complexity and dignity. You can find out more information about Annabel at her website: https://emdrinsight.com

In this episode of I speak with Musenge Luchembe, a gifted ecotherapist, licensed psychotherapist, and IFS-certified clinician who was a program assistant when I took my IFIO (Intimacy From the Inside Out) training. In this episode, Musenge and I dive into how nature and the natural world can support deep healing, bringing together her work in ecotherapy, somatic modalities and couples work. She shares reflections on how being held by the land, the elements, and relational attunement fosters integration and opens the way toward wholeness. You can find more about Musenge on her website: Musenge.com

Music is more than just sound, it’s a universal language that connects us and heals us. In this episode, I sit down with Alison Hughey, a gifted music therapist who brings people together through the power of music. From adults who are neurodivergent and struggle with stillness, to individuals living with dementia, Alison creates pathways of safety and belonging through sound. Our conversation explores how music reaches the into the unconscious parts of us, and deep into our body and stirs powerful memories and emotions. Alison shares how the nervous system can be calmed through melodies, beats, lyrics, singing and movement. We also talk about music as a tool for emotional expression. For trauma survivors, songwriting or playing music can help release a variety of feelings from anger to grief to anxiety. For those with dementia, familiar songs can connect them to happy moments in their past. Alison’s dogs even joins the conversation, adding to the ambience and authenticity of the episode by singing their own rendition of, “Let’s All Bark at the Lawn Mower Guy.” It was such a pleasure speaking with Alison about music, and taking a deeper dive into the magic of music therapy. Find out more about Alison: On Instagram: @composeyourselfcare On the web: Carolinamusictherapy.com

In this second conversation with Corey Busch, we explore the difference between using Internal Family Systems (IFS) for healing and for awakening. Corey has developed what he calls the IFS Love Practice, a way of blending mindful meditation with IFS. In this practice, a part is accepted just the way it shows up. It does not need to relax back, or change, or be healed. It already is OK. Together, we reflect on: * How awakening can be a practice of settling into what is already here, rather than striving for change. * How mindful meditation can be used in IFS to reassure parts that they are welcome exactly as they are * The invitation to parts that they can change or not change (however they see fit). * The many “flavors” of love, and the ocean-like OK-ness of Self. This conversation reminds us that love and acceptance aren’t something our parts need to earn, but rather they can "awaken to" and feel how this energy is already around them. To find out more about Corey, check out his website: coreybusch.com/ We also celebrate our love and admiration for Sid, who can be found here: effortlessifs.com #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #PartsWork #SelfHealing #TraumaHealing #Mindfulness #Meditation #Awakening #SelfAcceptance #Compassion #HealingJourney #Podcast

In this conversation with Kathy Couch and Tamera Brown, we explore what it really means to move from competition to collaboration in the healing professions. Too often, therapists feel pressured to compare themselves to others, and start feeling better than, less than, not enough... As Tamera beautifully describes, healing is a tapestry: and all of our voices matters. Every one of us, whether we are therapists or clients (or both) have something unique and valuable to offer. Kathy brings her wisdom from working with the original EMDR text, showing therapists how to stay grounded in the foundations while also translating them into meaningful, accurate notes. Her work reminds us that documentation isn’t just paperwork; it’s part of the therapeutic process itself. We discuss the wisdom of Dr. Arielle Schwartz, and bringing in awareness of our own nervous-system. This episode is an invitation to honor your uniqueness and value and feel welcomed into the healing EMDR space! Find out more about Tamera and Kathy's Journey Through the Eyes Podcast here: https://www.rewired360.com/podcasts/journey-through-the-eyes-an-emdr-podcast Find out more about Kathy's Rewired360 here: https://www.rewired360.com #WoundedHealer #HeartOfEMDR #TherapistCommunity #HealingTapestry #EMDRTherapy #CollaborationOverCompetition