The Validation Lounge, All Parts Are Welcome with Sasha Jenkin

In this episode Stephanie Mitchell returns to talk to me about parts and psychosis.  Stephanie is a Level 3 Certified IFS Therapist, psychotherapist, teacher and supervisor. She specialises in working with complex trauma and experiences which often get labelled as ‘mental illness'.Stephanie is interested in how healing and change occur in the human-to-human relationship, in spaces of acceptance and outside the constructs of diagnostic labels.Stephanie is currently undertaking research on IFS and psychosis and teaches around the world on working with early developmental trauma. She offers an advanced training on IFS and Interpersonal Neurobiology, which focuses on highly attuned and nuanced ways of being with clients in the IFS model. As we discuss, Stephanie is offering several fantastic trainings across different time zones to find out more please look on her website:https://stephaniemitchell.com.au/ifs-workshop-overview/https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I am joined by Artemis Samartzi IFS Level 3 trained practitioner and we discuss The Mother Wound through an IFS Lens.Artemis is a holistic practitioner with over 10 years of experience, grounded in meditation, non-duality, and body based healing. Trained in IFS (Level 3), IFIO, and Somatic Psychotherapy, she gently guides individuals, couples, and groups in Self-discovery through reclaiming all parts of themselves. Her work lives at the intersection of spirituality, ancestral and cultural legacy, and attachment. With deep reverence for nature, ancient wisdom, and animistic traditions, she invites a return to inner resources—the wellspring of love, guidance, and healing within—as well as a return to community and interconnectedness around us. Rooted in her own ongoing journey, her relational and intuitive approach fosters authenticity,  connection, and a felt sense of belonging.Artemis will be facilitating IFS therapy groups for those interested in exploring their mother wounds.  Please email her on [email protected] for more info.https://ifs-institute.com/practitioners/all/118021https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I welcome Bryony Smith an IFS Level 2 trained Psychotherapist and Psychosynthesis coach, who has had a lifelong interest in dreams and we look together at how our parts can manifest in our unconscious via dreams and how we can get to know them using IFS.Bryony (she/her) is an IFS Level 2 trained Psychotherapist and Psychosynthesis coach. Bryony's private practice is in Massachusetts and offers virtual IFS coaching sessions to folks all over the world. She has a warm, relational style and is passionate about IFS parts work, self compassion practice, and helping clients find more ease in their lives. She specializes in supporting folks with post concussion related struggles, grief, embodied dream work, and helping other therapists and coaches create sustainable practices. She has studied Buddhist psychology and has practiced mindfulness meditation since 1991.https://www.heartmindhealing.nethttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode Phil de la Haye returns to talk with me about Self - led allyship and activism: how to support the trans community in challenging political times.This podcast is longer than usual but the conversation needed some time to explore as fully as possible, and as always, through a parts lens.   At the end I added a further section in response to the UK Supreme Court ruling that the definition of a woman should be based on biological sex which occurred after we did our original recording.Phil de la Haye is a Certified IFS Therapist, Counsellor, and SIRPA Practitioner. He has a particular interest in the way that stress and trauma impact the nervous system, and how this can affect our physical body as well as our mental health.As an openly transgender and queer clinician, Phil does a lot of work with queer and gender diverse clients. He is also a passionate advocate for the trans and LGBTQ+ community.The Curiosity Cure podcast is the one that we refer to in our discussion - Phil appeared on that on 5 March 2025 - Ep 46.Phils website:https://phildelahaye.comhttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I chat with Jeanine Connor about the differences and overlaps between IFS and psychodynamic therapy.Jeanine Connor MBACP, MSc, MEd, BSc (Hons) is a psychodynamic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor in private practice, and a presenter and workshop facilitator with 25+ years’ therapeutic experience.  She is the author of around 250 publications, including three books influenced by her work as a psychotherapist: You’re Not My F*cking Mother and other things Gen Z say in therapy; Stop F*cking Nodding and other things 16 year olds say in therapy; and Reflective Practice in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy; plus scores of articles, columns, blogs, reviews and resources. Jeanine is also the Editor of BACP Children, Young People & Families journal and Reviews Editor for BACP Therapy Today.https://www.jeanineconnor.comhttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I am joined by Stephanie Mitchell who is a Level 3 Certified IFS Therapist, psychotherapist, teacher and supervisor. She specialises in working with complex trauma and experiences which often get labelled as ‘mental illness.Stephanie is interested in how healing and change occur in the human-to-human relationship, in spaces of acceptance and outside the constructs of diagnostic labels.Stephanie is currently undertaking research on IFS and psychosis and teaches around the world on working with early developmental trauma. She offers an advanced training on IFS and Interpersonal Neurobiology, which focuses on highly attuned and nuanced ways of being with clients in the IFS model. As we discuss, Stephanie is offering several fantastic trainings across different time zones to find out more please look on her website:https://stephaniemitchell.com.au/ifs-workshop-overview/https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I chat with Bill Tierney about coaching using the IFS model.Bill is a Compassionate Results Coach and Certified IFS Practitioner, dedicated to helping clients reconnect with their true, authentic selves through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. With over a decade of coaching experience since 2011 and a deep engagement with IFS since 2016, Bill guides individuals on their journey of self-discovery and healing. As an author, he is preparing to publish a memoir, an IFS workbook, and a coaching guide to further support clients in their transformational work. https://www.billtierneycoaching.com/The True You podcast : https://www.billtierneycoaching.com/true-you-podcastThe Leadership Coaching podcast: https://www.billtierneycoaching.com/podcastYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@billtierneycoaching1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BTierneyCoachinghttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode Sam Clark joins me to have a discussion about AEDP therapy and its overlaps and differences with IFS therapy.Sam is  a UKCP accredited integrative psychotherapist and supervisor with 20 years post-qualification experience working collaboratively with individuals, young people and families. She is a Level 3 trained AEDP therapist and has been an experiential assistant on AEDP Institute Immersion and Essential Skills courses. Currently working towards her AEDP certification, Sam is also a tutor on the Humanistic Dip/ MSc at Metanoia Institute, and supervises trainee and qualified therapists. She works online and in-person in Margate, Kent.Sams website:https://margatetherapist.co.uk/AEDP Institute website:https://aedpinstitute.org/Find an AEDP therapist in the UKhttps://aedpinstitute.org/It’s Not Always Depression bookhttps://amzn.eu/d/fGznQDLThe Transforming Power of Affect bookhttps://amzn.eu/d/hH6EVZthttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I am joined by Tamsin Urquhart, IFS Level 3 trained practitioner with a background in the arts and we discuss the transformative nature of visiting our unconscious life in art and therapy.  Here is Tamsins website https://tamsinurquhart.comTamsins podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i-can-see-clearly-now/id1765528696Tamsins up coming workshops:‘Old minds, new paths’: a short workshop integrating IFS and sound Bath, with Rose Mahon - March 30th 2025 (Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire) All day workshop: ‘Reiki - as spiritual resource for IFS facilitators’, with Ottavia Mazonni- October 18th 2025 (Box, Wiltshire)The Malevich painting we discuss:https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=794ca49ae42723f1&rls=en&sxsrf=AHTn8zpr9S3FaIDZkH7cxsfPlCr4A1EbVw:1738591152249&q=suprematism+supremus+no+58&udm=2&fbs=ABzOT_AqAj1UoYQh8kglFXNyluWOqa5Byjz8gYDQhQlAIuFG_RXyZCeU2CGLlRRY-8c8ThOompI0geecy3YALCAf5ZhHV6qua5jl204OPWnAiPvz90X_O-9H4OlCEGlo1gimjQSMLuy3SO7rxFEQKaW1vHzBqd1kz8I2gL6m_Ed8q2mzJjK6FJpnCfqwBgcvv4qNG3RomFKxSQoR2cX70P_r14NRI3lP_g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi_iajg1KeLAxVpTkEAHZNYAfEQtKgLegQIDxAB&biw=1470&bih=840&dpr=2#vhid=OpncATXoAuXQlM&vssid=mosaichttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode Sarah returns to talk with me about Inner critic parts.We reference this video with Esther Perel and Dick Schwartz:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUKMNgJB_kw&t=31sThis is the podcast in which Chris Burris talks about Inner Critic parts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ifs-talks/id1481000501Also Ralph de la Rosa https://ralphdelarosa.comToni Herbine Blank https://www.toniherbineblank.comAnd Byron Katie https://thework.comIf you'd like to work with Sarah McGowan you can find more info about what she is up to here:  https://circlesofstrengththerapy.co.uk/https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I chat with Lara Krawchuk about parts and grief and loss.Lara Krawchuk, MSW, LCSW, MPH is Owner and Clinical Director of Healing Concepts, LLC https://www.healingconceptsllc.com a private counseling and consulting practice, in Pennsylvania, USA.  She is a Certified IFS therapist and Certified Level 1 Consultant. She is a long-time Lecturer for the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice MSW Program and an active Practicum Faculty member for Robert Neimeyer’s Portland Institute for Loss and Transition.  Lara is co-owner of Healing Perspectives (coming 2025), offering continuing education opportunities to helping professionals dedicated to excellence in grief, loss, physical illness, and trauma care.  She speaks around the USA, about issues of ambiguous and living losses, caregiving, end of life, grief, the Internal Family Systems Theory model, the psychosocial impact of cancer, self-care for helping professionals, and trauma treatment.   Lara is the author of numerous chapters and articles on cancer care and creative healing for grief and living losses.  Lara likes to tell people she was born to do this work, and she absolutely loves it!  She can be reached at 610-209-3111 or [email protected] Lara is teaching an introduction to IFS the details of which can be found here:https://mailchi.mp/75d94cb7653f/virtual-ceu-consultation-group-6747079https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode we look at attachment theory through a parts lens.I'm joined again by Cate Mackenzie who as well as being IFS Level 3 trained has training and works using attachment theory.She is a COSRT Accredited Sex and Relationship Therapist, Love Coach and Artist. She offers therapy, coaching and workshops to individuals and couples of any orientation or gender. Her passion is supporting people to fall in love with themselves, with life and with others.She has run workshops in France, Spain, Greece, Monaco, Kuwait and the UK since 1998 and was the dating coach for Channel 4’s 'The Undateables', a flirting coach on Channel 5's 'The Jeremy Vine Show' and a Sex Therapist on Channel 4's 'Kinky Britain'.She is regularly in the media, gives advice in The Independent and has been featured in The Guardian, Red, Esquire, The Telegraph, BBC Radio, and Channel Five News among many others.Her heart paintings have been sold in 80 countries worldwide through IKEA.https://catemackenzie.com/media/article/https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

Parts involved with addictions and compulsions.In this episode I am joined by Sarah McGowan, IFS Level 3 trained Therapist and we discuss parts that manifest in addictive processes.Sarah is a Strictly Come Dancing and yoga devotee who, thanks to IFS, now enjoys a moderate relationship with her previous nightly coping strategies. Sarah is an experienced psychodynamic counsellor (OXON, Dip. Dist.) in private practice trained to IFS level 3. In her decade steeped in the IFS model, Sarah has been lucky enough to train with best including Frank Anderson, Chris Burris, Paul Ginter, Paul Neustadt and Dick Schwartz in person. But it was the work of IFS Senior Lead Trainer Cece Sykes, Compassion for Addictive Process, that made the biggest impact on Sarah both personally and professionally. Now Sarah is committed to passing on what she has been gifted in both 1-to-1 and group settings. For more information please go to www.circlesofstrength.co.ukI refer to a recent course I attended with Ann Sinko that I did with Life Architect - here is the link https://lifearchitect.com/polarizations-in-ifs-therapy-ann-sinko/https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

Valentina Manini is an IFS Certified Practitioner based in Switzerland, she integrates IFS with psychedelics (where this is legal when given permission).  We discuss the use of ketamine, mdma and psilocybin, alongside IFS.Valentina has a youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@valentinamaniniAlso her website gives you more information on her experience and many  trainings.https://valentinamanini.com/https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

Today we talk to Cate Mackenzie an IFS Level 3 trained and a COSRT Accredited sex and relationship expert about how parts can present in our intimate relationships.Cate offers therapy, coaching and workshops to individuals and couples of any orientation or gender. Her passion is supporting people to fall in love with themselves, with life and with others.She has run workshops in France, Spain, Greece, Monaco, Kuwait and the UK since 1998 and was the dating coach for Channel 4’s 'The Undateables', a flirting coach on Channel 5's 'The Jeremy Vine Show' and a Sex Therapist on Channel 4's 'Kinky Britain'.She is regularly in the media, gives advice in The Independent and has been featured in The Guardian, Red, Esquire, The Telegraph, BBC Radio, and Channel Five News among many others.Cate recommends this website https://missjaiya.com/You could get in touch with Cate via her website:https://catemackenzie.com/And here is her instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/catemmackenzie/Here is information on her latest workshop:https://catemackenzie.com/event/from-anxious-to-secure-two-hour-attachment-workshop/https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode I chat with Phil de la Haye about how parts can manifest as chronic physical symptoms.  Phil de la Haye is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practitioner, coach, trainee counsellor, and a Stress Illness Recovery Practitioner (SIRPA). He works with a particular focus on the mindbody connection, the neuroscience of pain, nervous system dysregulation, and is interested in how these can help to explain many chronic symptoms. To put that in IFS terms, he’s interested in how parts can impact the body and how working with parts can help to regulate the nervous system and reduce physical symptoms. You can find out more about Phil on his social media platforms:https://www.instagram.com/phildelahayeifs/https://www.facebook.com/phildelahayeifsAnd his website: https://phildelahaye.com/Article on IFS and chronic pain:https://phildelahaye.com/internal-family-systems-and-chronic-pain/Ruth Culvers website:https://calmheart.co.ukhttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

This episode is a different format to usual as I am really lucky to chat to Sacha Mardou about her fabulous new book Past Tense, Facing Family Secrets and Finding Myself in Therapy.   In this deeply personal and visually stunning work, Mardou shares her experience of overcoming anxiety and generational traumathrough the power of therapy, offering a fresh and compelling approach to the timely subject of mental health and the quest for healing.   A theme central to the book, Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) plays a major role as readersare taken inside Mardou's therapy sessions, witnessing the life-changing breakthroughs as she unravels her complicated upbringing and confronts the violent relationship between her parents. For more information about Sacha and what she is up to you can find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mardou_draws/ and facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sachamardouHer website https://ifscomics.com/ has her back catalogue of comics.https://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/

In this episode Ellen Yun and host, Sasha Jenkin discuss the theme of power and control through an Internal Family Systems lens.   A huge subject this is a first chance to explore this and there will be further episodes on the same theme at a later date.Ellen Yun is an IFS therapist Level 3 trained on route to Certification. If you would like more information about Ellen there is a full bio in her guest info on the Validation Lounge website https://www.buzzsprout.com/2416145 Also you can find her here:  https://www.facebook.com/ellenyuncounselling and here https://www.instagram.com/the_journeying_therapist/You can also enquire about working with Ellen via this webite:https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/ellen-yunThis is the info for the biologist specialising in the effects of trauma: https://biologyoftrauma.comhttps://ifs-institute.com/resources/research/ifs-glossary-termsThe above link is a glossary of common terms used in Internal Family Systems Therapy from the IFS Institute.More info on my fabulous guests can be found on the podcast website:https://thevalidationloungeallpartsarewelcome.buzzsprout.comSasha Jenkin website for any feedback please:https://sashajenkin.com/