In today’s episode I chat with Dr. Natalie Thomas, a psychotherapist and philosopher specializing in climate distress and ecological grief. Natalie, a presenter at the 2024 IFS Annual Conference, explains how nature influences our internal parts and the role of Self Energy in healing, both individually and globally. We explore the connection between humans, animals, and the planet, and how slowing down to engage with nature can shift how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.

We discuss:

• How can we reconnect with nature and access our self-energy for healing?
• The concept of ecotherapy, which includes "walk-and-talk" therapy, inter-species healing, and other outdoor- and nature-focused approaches
• How nature can be a third entity (triad) in the therapeutic process
• Simple practices for connecting with Self in nature, including forest bathing and engaging the senses
• Animals have parts too
• What is “inter-species” healing?
• Parts-driven vs. Self-led activism, and how inner healing can lead to more effective, compassionate, and sustainable actions
• Climate Cafes: hosting a safe space for eco-emotional healing

One of my favorite quotes from the episode:

"When we’re in nature, we can access our Self Energy and our parts in a different way—it’s like being part of a larger ecosystem, both inside and out." — Natalie Thomas

To learn more:

• Climate Cafes

• Natalie’s upcoming session on ecotherapy and climate distress at the 2024 IFS Annual Conference.

• Natalie’s article in Parts & Self magazine

• Natalie's website

Watch video Clips from select episodes on The One Inside on YouTube

Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy: Tammy Sollenberger (@ifs.tammy) • Instagram photos and videos and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger.

Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside Podcast. He is a writer, counselor, and 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.

Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website

Do you want to befriend the parts of you who impede your meditation practice? Check out Loch Kelly's FREE workshop.

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

On today’s episode I chat with Sacha Mardou, a graphic novelist and artist, known in the IFS community for her IFS-inspired webcomics. In her new graphic memoir, Past Tense, Sacha brings readers along on her deeply personal, years-long journey to heal trauma, uncover legacy burdens, and connect to her true Self.

She began illustrating her IFS and therapy experience privately in her sketchbooks. Those evolved into webcomics vividly depicting her inner system and healing process which she shared with the world through social media, and now in her new graphic memoir.

We discuss:

• How her private therapy session sketches grew into webcomics and a book

• How IFS can shift our inner world and multi-generational family dynamics

• Breaking the chain of legacy burdens for her daughter

• Sharing her family members’ private details and stories in her comics

• Using comics to visually represent the complexity of therapy and inner healing, making the IFS therapy process more tangible, relatable, and approachable for many people

One of my favorite quotes from this episode:

"How many of us carry shame or trauma that isn't even ours to begin with? Legacy burdens, passed down through generations, shape who we are until we take the courageous step to face them." – Sacha Mardou

Sacha will join in a discussion hosted by Dick Schwartz and Jeanne Catanzaro at the 2024 IFS Annual Conference in a session called, Bringing IFS to Life, where they will discuss how Sacha's comics have helped demystify the IFS therapy process for clients.

You can connect with Sacha on her website, on Facebook and Instagram @Mardou_Draws

Learn more about her new book, Past Tense, here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714479/past-tense-by-sacha-mardou/

Watch video Clips from select episodes on The One Inside on YouTube

Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy: Tammy Sollenberger (@ifs.tammy) • Instagram photos and videos and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger.

Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside Podcast. He is a writer, counselor, and 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.

Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website

Do you want to befriend the parts of you who impede your meditation practice? Check out Loch Kelly's FREE workshop.

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

Enjoy this lovely embodiment meditation led by IFS lead trainer Kay Gardner. And be sure to check out ep. 171: IFS and Legacy Burdens to listen to my full interview with Kay.