The Root of Connection: Moving Beyond Judgment

Understanding Autism & Engaging Differently

In this episode of "Facing the Moment," we dive into the misunderstood world of autism, moving beyond the framework of "deficit" or "disorder" to explore it as a unique neurological architecture for feeling.  Host Toufic Hakim, PhD, engages in a conversation with Sarah Bergenfield, MACAS, an IFS-trained consultant, somatic awareness expert, and co-author of Wired to Feel. Together, they discuss the science of predictive processing, the crucial distinction between nervous system arousal and anxiety, and how the autistic brain navigates a world of overwhelming sensory "noise" and "signals"  Sarah shares her lived experience as a diagnosed autistic individual and a parent, offering a deeply personal look at the importance of routine, the power of sensory reduction over "fixing," and the profound wisdom found in the autistic body's natural methods of self-regulation.  The episode offers insights into fostering compassionate understanding and highlights the importance of honoring human dignity by creating safe, welcoming spaces that prioritize authentic connection over the pressure to conform.  Join us for this moving and highly informative discussion on how to listen to the innate wisdom of the autistic brain and body with curiosity, hope, and humanity.  Support this podcast. Your donation supports production, outreach, and the continuation of meaningful conversations on Facing the Moment. ⁠www.foundationIFS.org/support⁠  Share your feedback with us: https://forms.gle/z8v6pB2XXkzZj9DDA

Becoming Whole After Combat

For many military veterans, the war does not end when they come home. The survival instincts, suppressed pain, and invisible wounds of combat follow them into civilian life, reshaping relationships, identity, and hope. In this powerful conversation, we speak with Beau Laviolette, LCSW and former U.S. Marine, about what it truly takes to heal after combat. Drawing on Internal Family Systems therapy, EMDR, and the restorative power of nature, Beau shares how veterans can reconnect with their inner compass, confront their deepest fears, and find that wholeness, however hard to imagine, is possible.  Support this podcast. Your donation supports production, outreach, and the continuation of meaningful conversations on Facing the Moment. ⁠⁠⁠www.foundationIFS.org/support⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.foundationifs.org/support]

Facing the Moment: Courageous Leadership, Connection, and Hope (Year One Highlights)

Over the past year, the Facing the Moment podcast has engaged in actionable conversations about leading through crisis with integrity. This video brings together a curation of segments that listeners found most impactful, challenging, and inspiring In this video, you will explore: The Power of Moral Courage: Why we must stand for universal values without shaming others, following the examples of leaders like Gandhi, King, and Mandela The Three Traits for Navigating Stress: Understanding the vital roles of courage, coping skills, and humanity The Loneliness Epidemic: How loneliness manifests as a loss of motivation or social withdrawal and its deep roots in our current culture The Future of Care: A look at the limitations and biases of generative AI in clinical psychiatry and mental health Support Our Mission: If this message inspired you, please consider supporting the Foundation for Self-Leadership. Your donations help us continue sharing stories that impact lives globally. 👉 Donate here: foundationifs.org Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more deep-thinking content!

The "inner physics" of the Human Mind Using Internal Family Systems (IFS)

In this video, we dive into the "inner physics" of the human mind using Internal Family Systems (IFS). In this episode, you’ll learn: The Internal Family: Why our minds are broken into parts with different ages and experiences. The Role of Parts: How anxious parts or inner critics often have good intentions to protect us from deep wounds, even if their behaviors are problematic. The Power of Self: Why your Core Self is indestructible and how it can heal the wounds of your parts. Overcoming "Blending": How to gain space from overwhelming emotions like grief to provide those parts with the attention they need. If these insights resonate with you, please like, share, and subscribe to help grow our community. To support our mission of navigating crises with moral courage and hope, consider a donation at foundationIFS.org/support

The Power of Human Connection | Why Community Matters More Than Ever Right Now | Facing the Moment

In this video, you will hear from diverse voices on the key role of connection in everything from climate psychology to local community safety Key topics covered in this compilation: The Power of Community: How local initiatives like community gardens and networks in North America are creating "mind-blowing" mental health support Healing the Fabric of Connection: Addressing the fear, polarization, and "blame" that sever our social ties, and how to create safety for the next generation Actionable Hope: Real-world examples of "Upstander Training," survivors’ walks, and neighbors showing up for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota Doing Your Part: A reminder that whether you are protesting at a legislative level or simply standing on a corner with a sign, the goal is to "do you and do it deeply" Support Our Mission: If these insights resonate with you, please consider supporting our work. Your donations help us continue sharing stories that impact lives worldwide Visit: FoundationIFS.org/Support and hit the Donate button We would love to hear from you. Complete this quick survey to help influence our next set of episodes: https://forms.gle/EDJ2pv2nwPrJbrhw9Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe!