My guest today is Mary Kruger, an IFS lead trainer and therapist specializing in addiction and eating disorders. Mary helped develop the IFS Level 2 training for addiction recovery and treatment. This episode is a re-release from Season 2.

Episode Summary:
In this episode Mary shares her own story of finding IFS and her personal experience of the healing power of its integration with the 12-step model.

We explore:

• How can we shift the way we approach addiction, eating disorders, and shame?
• Have traditional approaches to addiction recovery, such as AA or 12-step programs, left us demonizing our behaviors rather than understanding them?
• What happens when we stop viewing addiction as a "moral failure" or "genetic defect" and instead see it as a system out of balance
• What role does shame play in maintaining cycles of addiction, and how can IFS help us unburden that shame?
• How can we learn to work with, not against, our addictive parts?
• Can group work enhance healing by reducing shame and helping us feel connected to others with similar struggles?

One of my favorite quotes from the episode:

"What if we stopped demonizing our addictive behaviors and instead asked, 'What are they trying to teach us?' When we befriend the parts of us that struggle, we unlock the door to true healing."

Mary will host a workshop on October 10 and 11, 2024 with Life Architect on working with polarized parts. Use this link to stay informed and let them know you heard about it on The One Inside: https://bit.ly/ifs-in-group-settings-workshop

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Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside Podcast. He is an IFS Level 1 practitioner.

Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start. You can purchase it here: The One Inside: 30 Days To Your Authentic Self: Sollenberger, Tammy: 9780967688756: Amazon.com: Books or wherever books are sold.

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Do you want to befriend the parts of you who impede your meditation practice? Check out this FEEE workshop:

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Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast. Jack is a graduate of Derek Scott’s IFS Stepping Stones Program.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or two of The One Inside Podcast please contact Tammy at tammysollenberger@comcast.net

This episode is sponsored by Life Architect. As the IFS Institute's international partner, they organize IFS training and online workshops about IFS and other therapy modalities for those new to IFS and experienced practitioners alike. Life Architect is committed to advancing the professional development of mental health professionals around the world.