Brave Spaces, Body Trust, and Returning to Self: A Conversation with Dr. Shawn Hondorp

A Conversation with Dhru Mukherjee

In this episode of Parts and People, Tisha sits down with Dhru Mukherjee , researcher, educator, and trauma-informed systems advocate for a profound and personal conversation. Dhru shares about his own lived experience with trauma and the journey of self-discovery that followed, offering a window into how personal healing and professional purpose intertwine. Together, they explore the intersections of trauma, intergenerational wounds, and the possibilities for recovery rooted in Self-energy. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory, Dhru reflects on how legacy burdens of colonization shape self-concept, and what it means to heal.

Brave Spaces, Body Trust, and Returning to Self: A Conversation with Dr. Shawn Hondorp

n this rich and heartfelt conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Shawn Hondorp—clinical psychologist, retreat facilitator, and host of The Innovative Therapist Podcast. Shawn brings her deep wisdom and lived experience to this dialogue about what it really means to trust ourselves, care for our bodies, and show up fully as therapists and humans. We talk about the courage it takes to slow down and listen to the parts of us that are exhausted, overworking, or striving for perfection. Shawn shares insights from her journey with disordered eating and body disconnection, and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and body trust principles helped her find her way back to a more compassionate and creative life. Together, we explore: * Creativity! * The intersection of IFS and body liberation * How to clarify Your Zone of Genius * The power of reconnecting with creativity after years of suppression * Shawn’s commitment to disrupting diet culture and honoring lived experience

Speaking with Alessio Rizzo

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Alessio Rizzo (he/they) - a UK-based psychotherapist, IFS Level 3 Certified Therapist, and Assistant Trainer with the IFS Institute. Alessio specializes in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, focusing on LGBTQIA+ identities, neurodivergence, OCD, anxiety, and anger. We explore Alessio’s unique approach to therapy, including their concept of “Neuroqueering IFS”, which integrates neurodiversity and queerness into the IFS framework. Alessio shares insights on how IFS can support individuals navigating complex identities and experiences, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in therapeutic practices. Alessio also discusses their work as an IFS clinical consultant and trainer, offering guidance to therapists and clients worldwide. They provide resources such as digital downloads, meditations, and workshops to support those interested in IFS therapy. This conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the intersection of IFS therapy with neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ experiences. IFS blog - https://www.therapywithalessio.com/ifs-articles-1 [https://www.therapywithalessio.com/ifs-articles-1] IFS Digital Downloads - https://www.therapywithalessio.com/free-ifs-digital-downloads [https://www.therapywithalessio.com/free-ifs-digital-downloads] Part's Journal - https://www.therapywithalessio.com/ifs-parts-journal [https://www.therapywithalessio.com/ifs-parts-journal] Queering IFS podcast - https://www.therapywithalessio.com/queering-ifs-podcast [https://www.therapywithalessio.com/queering-ifs-podcast] IFS Gender Journeys - https://www.therapywithalessio.com/ifs-gender-journeys [https://www.therapywithalessio.com/ifs-gender-journeys]

Interview with Dr. Hoda Refaat

Dr. Hoda Refaat shares the experiences and acknowledges the contributions of the incredible community that brought the IFS Model to Egypt. Hoda Refaat Mahfouz, M.D., M.S. C [http://m.sc/]., Egyptian Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, psychodramatist and certified group psychotherapist  (CGP). She has more than 20 years of clinical experience and she is trained in different modalities of psychotherapy. She is an IFS lead program assistant, IFS-accredited consultant, IFIO staff member, EMDR consultant, Somatic Experiencing practitioner. She is the chairperson of psychodrama section of the Egyptian Association for Group Therapies and Processes (EAGT).

Speaking with Ana Morante; Self-Led Motherhood and bringing the model to Latin America

My conversation today is with Ana Morante and is about the role of IFS in her family, in her role as a wife and mother. She shares about the self-led motherhood collective and bringing the IFS model to Latin America. Ana Morante, LMFT, is a bilingual, bicultural Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified IFS and EMDR therapist, and Certified Family Life Educator. Ana was born and raised in Lima, Perú, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology. She earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from San Jose State University after immigrating to the US. She has been in private practice since 1995 and has worked in numerous mental health and community organization settings. Most of her professional work has been dedicated to low income, Latino, immigrant populations. For the past 25+ years, Ana has been a Family Wellness Partner and Trainer, and has trained numerous instructors in this program throughout the United States and the world.   Given her passion for “Intentional Motherhood”, Ana founded “Resilient Families Gilroy” in 2017, which is a mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, community led program geared to facilitate intergenerational healing in low-income immigrant communities.  In addition to running this program, Ana has a private practice and provides lectures and trainings on mental health and family wellbeing to different organizations and communities globally on an on-going basis.