Empowered Through Compassion

Awaken to Love, True and Presence

This heart-warming episode begins with Laura sharing a tender story about baking bread—and from there, we journey into the rich, soulful themes of her new book. We explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), the sacred essence of everyday life, and the profound connection between healing trauma, cultivating presence, and embodying wholeness. Together, we reflect on the beauty and challenge of truly being with our emotions and honoring the full range of the human experience. As Laura so beautifully says, “Our guides are so proud of us for choosing this experience.”
Whether you’re a seeker, a therapist, or simply curious about the intersection of psychology and spirituality, I’m so glad you’re here. This was a joy-filled, meaningful conversation—and I can’t wait to share it with you.
You can learn more about Laura Patryas, PhD and her work at drlaurapatryas.org.
📘 Check out her books:
Awaken to Love: Reclaiming Wholeness through IFS, Nonduality, and Psychosynthesis
The 8 Superpowers Inside Me: A Journey Through Feelings and Inner Parts
🌱 Join the IFS Nondual Community on Facebook🌀 Explore the IFS Unconference

Sketching Our Selves: On Doodling, the Inner World, and The White Lotus, as a Trauma Metaphore

What if Mike White’s The White Lotus is more than just a dark comedy television series?
What if we look at it as a striking exploration of the human psyche?
In a recent episode of the Empowered Through Compassion podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sunni (Sun) Brown, a dynamic IFS practitioner, author of Gamestorming and The Doodle Revolution, and creator of Deep Self Design™. Together, we unpacked the psychological architecture of the show using the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
Sunni brings a rare blend of creativity, compassion, and clarity to her work, infusing IFS with elements of Zen, mindfulness, Hakomi, design thinking, with a deep appreciation of the powerful modality of doodling! With over 1.6 million views on her TED Talk, she is no stranger to harnessing storytelling to illuminate complex inner worlds.
Our conversation turned The White Lotus from a binge-worthy show into a rich case study of internal dynamics—hypothesizing that some of the repeating themes might even reflect Mike White (the creator) own inner system!

IFS, Swedenborg, and our Infinite Spiritual Evolution

This week’s episode is nothing short of extraordinary.
I am honored to welcome back IFS master Bob Falconer, and to be joined for the first time by Chelsea Rose Odhner and Dr. Jonathan S. Rose, two deeply insightful scholars and practitioners of Emanuel Swedenborg’s spiritual teachings.
Together, we explore the sacred intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and The Spirituality of Swedenborg. We all entered into conversation that transcended time, space, and discussed ways to go beyond the boundaries and limits of IFS and the conventional boundaries of healing.
💫 We reflect on the eternal journey of the soul — an ever-unfolding relationship between the Divine within and the Divine beyond. In this journey of becoming, Swedenborg is the ultimate Geographer! 
🕊️ Topics include:
The profound parallels between IFS and Swedenborg’s vision of the spiritual world
The "middle realm" — a space beyond space, populated by angels who guide us toward deeper integration
How healing is not a destination, but a sacred unfolding where we get closer to love, insight, and a relationship with the divine 
📌 Whether you're a therapist, spiritual seeker, or simply curious about the soul’s path — this conversation will move you.
🔗 Listen now on empoweredthroughcompassion.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Here's a couple links to check out:
 
The book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Inner-World-Spiritual-Swedenborg/dp/0877853673
 
Chelsea's website: https://locusofhealing.com/
 
For more about Swedenborg: https://swedenborg.com/
 

Bridging EMDR, IFS, and Motivational Interviewing

In this episode, we explore a powerful and often overlooked therapeutic trio: EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). If you’ve ever wondered how to help clients move from ambivalence to meaningful change—or how to make EMDR feel more relational and intuitive—this is the conversation for you.
The Common Ground: Self-Leadership & Intrinsic Wisdom
What ties IFS, EMDR, and MI together? At their core, all three approaches believe this:
Clients hold the wisdom and capacity for healing inside themselves.
Whether it’s the Self in IFS, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system in EMDR, or the intrinsic motivation in MI, each model honors the client as the expert on their own life. Our role is to compassionately guide, not direct.
What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?
Larisa describes MI beautifully:
“It’s a conversation style that helps elicit people’s behavior change and resolve any ambivalence they have around making changes. It’s not about leading or following—it’s about guiding.”
MI helps clients uncover their values and use those as fuel for transformation. It's relational, respectful, and deeply humanizing.
MI’s Spirit: PACE as a Compass
To show up for clients in the MI spirit, we bring:
Partnership
Acceptance
Compassion
Empowerment
This allows for true connection—creating a space where clients feel safe enough to explore, question, and grow.
MI in Action: A Bridge to EMDR
As Larisa shares, many clinicians struggle with applying EMDR, especially in early stages. MI offers a crucial entry point—helping clients prepare, build trust, and find clarity in their goals.
“Our clients come in with ambivalence—about therapy, about EMDR. MI helps us meet them where they are.”
MI enhances EMDR’s Stage One (Preparation) phase by bringing in empathy, reflection, and alignment with client values.
A Case Example: Matthew Perry & the Power of Discrepancy
Imagine a young Matthew Perry wrestling with abandonment wounds and addiction. MI helps us uncover the discrepancy between where he is and where he wants to be. It’s not just about stopping a behavior—it’s about healing the parts that carry unmet needs and pain.
Reflections, Change Talk & “DARN CATs”
MI offers tools to strengthen internal alignment:
DARN (Desire, Ability, Reason, Need) – the seeds of change
CATs (Commitment, Activation, Taking Steps) – the momentum for action
These can powerfully support Phase Four of EMDR, especially when clients are ready to take new steps—but feel unsure how.
Integration & Future Templating
MI isn’t just for the beginning—it shines in re-evaluation and future planning too:
“Sometimes clients say they’re ready for change—but don’t know how. This is where we go back to Evoking and Planning. MI gives us tools to break it down, make it concrete, and support clients in taking those next steps.”
Whether you're addressing co-occurring issues or preparing for future challenges, MI helps keep the work grounded, hopeful, and empowering.
Final Thoughts: Parts Want to Grow
IFS reminds us that all parts—even protectors—ultimately want healing. MI offers a lens to honor that growth:
“There’s a fear in IFS that we don’t want to change parts. But MI helps us see it differently: Parts want to grow. Our goal is to encourage the intrinsic desire of parts to grow.”
🌐 Learn more about Larisa and her work: empowertct.com
 
🎧 Tune in and subscribe to the Empowered Through Compassion podcast—where healing is a collaborative, compassionate journey.

Honoring the Light: A Conversation with Ralph De La Rosa

In this deeply meaningful episode, I had the honor of speaking with Ralph De La Rosa—teacher, healer, and radiant soul—who sadly passed away earlier this week.
This episode is a tribute to Ralph’s immense heart and the wisdom they so generously shared with the world. We explored the profound intersections of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Buddhism, and I was struck by Ralph’s grace, clarity, and the gentle light they brought to even the heaviest of topics.
Their book, Outshining Trauma, is a lasting gift—a testament to the depth of their insight and compassion. I’m so grateful for the laughter we shared and the truths we uncovered. This episode is an offering to our community and a way to honor one of our own who carried so much, and gave so much more.

A Spiritual and Psychological Journey Through Middle-earth

Part 2 with Julian: The Inner Sauron – Power, Possession, and the PsycheIn this episode, Julian and I dive deep into The Lord of the Rings through the lens of psychology, mythology, and IFS (Internal Family Systems). We explore the dark allure of Sauron—not just as a villain seeking domination through the One Ring, but as a metaphor for the exiled forces within us all.
Julian draws powerful parallels between Sauron and the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli, both powerful spirits who reside in higher realms yet influence human behavior in devastating ways. We reflect on how these archetypes show up in our inner worlds—manipulating, isolating, and consuming us when left unseen.
What if Sauron is an inner part we exile, giving it more power? And what if the One Ring acts like an unattached burden—seductive, cursed, and waiting to latch on to vulnerable parts of our psyche?
We ask the big question: how do we care for our inner Sauron, and what choices emerge when we do?
You can learn more about Julian’s work at https://www.psychedelic-integration.net

The Journey Home: Speaking with Julian Bermudez

It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Julian Bermudez, founder of Psychedelic Integration, about his deeply personal and powerful approach to healing. In this episode, Julian shares his philosophy of psychedelic integration as a sacred return—a coming home to the body, to the heart, and to the version of ourselves that existed before life’s pain forced us to adapt.
Through his lived experience and the space he holds for others, Julian invites us to see integration not as a checklist, but as a living, breathing practice of transformation. We explore the idea of purpose, reclaiming value, and the path to remembering who we truly are.

Exploring IFS & Nonduality with Sid Friedman: Part 2

I'm excited to share the latest episode of the Empowered Through Compassion podcast: Part 2 of my conversation with Sid Friedman. In this episode, we delve deeper into Sid's innovative approach to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and his exploration of nonduality.
Sid discusses his YouTube channel, Effortless IFS with Sid Friedman, where he offers insights into integrating IFS with nondual awareness. You can explore his videos here: Effortless IFS with Sid Friedman.
We also talk about the vibrant online community Sid co-created with Dr. Laura Patryas: the IFS Nondual Community on Facebook. This group serves as a supportive space for individuals interested in the intersection of IFS and nonduality. You can find the community here: IFS Nondual Community.
Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the joy of discussing IFS, the importance of connecting with others. We speak aboutn embracing the innocence and beauty of all parts.​ Sid has so much wisdom, and he shares how healing and transformation are accessible through gentle, playful, and profound engagement with our inner world.
​For a fun exploration and brilliant analysis of movie clips, check out: https://effortlessifs.com/movie-clips/.

Speaking with Sid Friedman on Kindness, Self-energy and Nonduality Part 1

This episode is part 1 of a beautiful conversation with my dear friend Sid Friedman. Sid-- along with Laura Patryas-- have created an incredible IFS Facebook community called "IFS Nondual Community."
Sid shares with me, and the audience, what is meant by nonduality, and how this intersects with IFS. We also speak about NVC-- Nonviolent Communication, and I learn what a pro Sid is in this type of communication!
This was such a fun and enjoyable episode-- to Sid, it feels like life is such a celebration, and he really is able to acknowledge the beauty with all of our PARTs. Indeed, how can you have a PARTY without PART?
Together, we reflect on what it means to embrace kindness and compassion in our lives, and how we both draw inspiration from the wisdom of Mr. Rogers, John Lennon, the Dalai Lama, and Thich Nhat Hanh (no name a few of our shared heroes). 
I invite you on this glorious ride with Sid, and if you want more-- more will be coming very soon (stay tuned for part 2 of our conversation)! 

This Is Us- Overcoming Trauma Together

Families Overcoming Trauma – This Is Us
NBC’s This Is Us has resonated deeply with audiences, largely because of its heartfelt portrayal of family, trauma, and healing. The show masterfully illustrates how each family member carries their own pain while remaining connected through love, resilience, and acceptance. It reminds us that healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about learning to live with it, together.
In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree, whose journey is a testament to this very idea. When her daughter, Cecilia, was diagnosed with childhood leukemia at just three years old, Laura searched for guidance—a book, an expert, a roadmap. When she realized that no such book existed, she wrote it herself: The Cancer Parent’s Handbook: What Your Oncologist Doesn’t Have Time to Tell You. Through her experience, she uncovered the tools and insights necessary not just to survive, but to thrive during an overwhelming and terrifying time.
As Laura and I reflected on This Is Us, we found so many parallels between the Pearson family’s story and her own. The show depicts the way trauma weaves itself into the fabric of a family, shaping identities and relationships in unexpected ways. It also highlights the power of connection—how, even through grief, loss, and struggle, love can be an anchor.
Trauma and the Nonlinear Journey of Healing
One of the most powerful elements of This Is Us is its nonlinear storytelling. Much like real-life healing, the past continuously intrudes on the present. The audience is transported through different points in time, seeing how early wounds manifest in adult struggles. We watch as Kevin searches for love and self-worth, Randall seeks meaning in his biological roots, and Kate finds healing through music and motherhood. Their journeys are messy, imperfect, and deeply human.
At the heart of the series is a pivotal moment—the loss of Jack Pearson, the beloved yet flawed father figure. The show builds up to this revelation, allowing us to witness how his absence shapes each family member in distinct yet connected ways. In a similar way, families facing trauma must navigate their own nonlinear paths, piecing together meaning and strength as they go.
Holding Space for Pain and Hope
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that has three prongs of healing-- the past, the present, and the future. This Is Us reflects this process beautifully, showing how the past and present exist simultaneously, influencing each other in ways we don’t always recognize-- impacting the future as well.
Laura’s story is a profound example of how trauma and hope can coexist. While no parent would ever choose the experience of childhood cancer, Laura chose how her family’s story would be written. She didn’t deny the pain, but she also didn’t let it define their lives. Instead, she created moments of normalcy, love, and connection amid the fear.
Defining Our Narrative
The final season of This Is Us centers around the decline of Rebecca’s health, bringing the family together once more in the face of loss. Yet, rather than being consumed by grief, they embrace their love for one another. It is in these moments—where vulnerability is met with compassion—that true healing and connection happens.
This is the lesson Laura embodies: even in heartbreak, loss, and tragedy, life doesn’t have to be only about pain. Life can be about something so much more. We can hold space for both sorrow and joy. We can choose to show up, to embrace imperfection, and to construct the narrative that we want to-- one that is rooted in love and family connection.
Trauma can break us, or it can unite us. The powerful and aligned message of both Laura’s journey and This Is Us is this: we can walk through whatever life brings us with magnanimity, with courage, and with hope. And at some point, I promise, our heartfelt laughs will be there as well!
For more information on Laura, visit lauradekrakerlangreebook.com or follow her on Instagram at @laura_dekraker_langree.