Episode Summary:
On today's episode I welcome back to the podcast Dick Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. We had such an important conversation that I'm excited to share with you.

We begin remembering Derek Scott, who passed in February. Dick offers new details on the rupture and repair of their professional relationship over the years, and reflects on the moving final session they shared weeks before Derek's passing. (If you haven't watched the video yet, I highly recommend you do -- it's beautiful). Dick opened up about his concerns and the challenges of maintaining the integrity and safety of the IFS model while balancing the high demand for trainings. He also discussed his personal journey of integrating spirituality more into his writing and work. Dick shared his vision for the future of IFS, including continuing to expand its reach beyond traditional therapy and into leadership, education, politics, and articifical intelligence (AI). We ended on a fun and sweet note: he reminisced about meeting his wife, Jeanne, and the beginning of their relationship.

Key Takeaways:

• Derek Scott's passion for making IFS accessible left a lasting legacy.
• IFS continues expanding into non-clinical domains, including leadership training, educational systems, and AI-driven tools
• How to maintain the "do no harm" ethos of IFS as it grows and evolves
• The difficult decision to tighten IFS training admissions requirements
• Plans for brinigng IFS more into the public domain
• Dick discusses the potential of IFS to address legacy burdens collectively, envisioning a broader cultural impact.
• Spirituality in IFS: helping individuals connect to guides and Self Energy in deeper ways.
• Dick plans to be much more explicit about IFS in areas like spirituatlity and psychedlics
• The IFS model's potential to transform individuals and society--a ripple effect
• His version of the first meeting and long-distance courtship with his wife Jeanne (her version is here)

Favorite Quote:
"How often do you get a chance to help somebody you care about transition like that?" – Dick Schwartz

About Dr. Richard "Dick" Schwartz:
Dick Schwartz is the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a groundbreaking therapeutic model. He continues to innovate and expand the reach of IFS, working with leaders, educators, and therapists to bring its healing potential to a broader audience.

Episode Sponsor: Michelle Glass and the Daily Part Meditation Practice®: a Journey of Embodied Integration for Clients and Therapists

_______________________________________________________________________________

Check out our new merch at The One Inside store

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

Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy 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

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 speak with my friend and fellow podcaster Dr. Peter Malinoski, a clinical psychologist, IFS Level 3-trained practitioner, and co-founder of Souls and Hearts. Peter shares his journey of integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with his Catholic faith, and building bridges between these two communities through his work with the Resilient Catholics Community and his Interior Integration for Catholics podcast channel on YouTube

We talk about understanding parts, healing attachment wounds, and embracing love. At around 26 minutes in Peter offers a wonderful experiential exercise/meditation where he invites you to go inside and connect with your parts to understand their assumptions, experiences, and beliefs around love.

Key Takeaways:

• IFS provides a powerful healing framework that integrates beautifully with Catholic spirituality.
• Why is it often so difficult for parts to feel safe being loved or offering love?
• Protectors can play critical roles in bridging internal and external relationships when approached with curiosity and respect.
• Healing relational wounds begins with internal harmony—inviting all parts to participate in Self-Led love.
• Self Energy serves as a secure base for engaging with exiles, protectors, and divine connection.

About Dr. Peter Malinoski:
Dr. Peter Malinoski is a clinical psychologist, IFS Level 3-trained practitioner, and co-founder of Souls and Hearts, a platform dedicated to integrating the best of psychology and Catholicism. He also hosts the Interior Integration for Catholics podcast and leads the Resilient Catholics Community, helping others navigate faith and mental health with depth and compassion.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy 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

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 Mel Galbraith, Chief Operating Officer of IFSCA (Internal Family Systems Counselling Association), to discuss her journey of grief, leadership, and transformation following the passing of Derek Scott, founder of IFSCA. Mel shares deeply personal stories about her connection with Derek, the legacy he left behind, and how stepping into a leadership role has shaped her life and relationship with her parts.

Our conversation touches on the complexities of grief and the ways IFS has been instrumental in navigating Mel's professional and personal challenges. She also discusses exciting new initiatives at IFSCA, including advanced courses and community connection opportunities, ensuring Derek’s vision continues.

Key Takeaways:

• Grief often reveals deep attachment wounds, serving as a trailhead for healing and growth.
• Leadership through a Self-Led lens involves embracing imperfection, authenticity, and connection with all our parts.
• How can grief and loss act as a catalyst for personal transformation and deeper connection to Self?
• IFSCA’s new offerings like Stepping Deeper and Demo Days
• Authentic connection and shared passions can create profound bonds

Mentioned in this episode:

For more information about IIFSCA and to sign up for the IFSCA newsletter

The demo with Rick Kahler and Mel: Full Demo. Internal Financial Systems. IFS + Money Parts.

Photo of Zoomer and Tom

About Mel Galbraith:
Mel Galbraith, MSW, RSW, is a Certified IFS Therapist and Chief Operating Officer of IFSCA (IFS Counselling Association), a leadership role she inherited from the late Derek Scott. With a deep commitment to community and IFS education, Mel continues to build on Derek’s vision while navigating her own journey of grief and transformation.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy 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

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