Turn Towards Your Anxiety: A Conversation with John Clarke

Is anxiety something to overcome—or could it be inviting us into a deeper relationship with ourselves? In this episode of The Intuitive Self Podcast, I sit down with trauma therapist John Clarke to explore anxiety through the lenses of Internal Family Systems (IFS), nervous system awareness, and trauma healing. Together, we discuss why anxiety is unique to each person, the burdens it often carries, and how approaching it with curiosity and compassion can lead to profound healing. We also explore perfectionism, shame, masking, supporting others with anxiety, and how to discern the difference between fear and intuition. In This Episode We Explore: Why anxiety is different for everyone The nervous system's role in anxiety Common burdens such as "I'm not enough" Perfectionism, shame, and masking Why anxiety isn't something to eliminate How to support someone experiencing anxiety The connection between anxiety, intuition, and Self-energy Practical steps for turning toward anxiety with compassion About John Clarke John Clarke is a trauma therapist, Clinical Director of Calm Again Counseling in San Francisco, host of the Going Inside podcast, and founder of Pathways to Self, a clinical consultation community for trauma therapists. With more than 13 years of experience and advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing, John is passionate about making trauma therapy more accessible while helping therapists build sustainable practices that support both their clients and themselves. Connect with John Website: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/ Instagram: @johnclarketherapy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@John-Clarke-Therapy   If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who may be struggling with anxiety or searching for a more compassionate way to understand it. As always, thank you for listening and for continuing the courageous journey of turning toward all parts of yourself with curiosity, compassion, and Self-leadership!  _____________________________ Want to work with Natalie for Intuitive Parts/IFS Therapy or Spiritual/IFS Consultation? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact  Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________   Help Support the Podcast by Donating Here!    You can also support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review!