Real Personal Real Stories - Sarah and Nicole Talk About Their IFS Parts and How They Came to Be

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In this episode of The Aware Mind, host Sarah Vallely and guest Nicole Handsman explore the complex dynamics of Internal Family Systems (IFS), focusing on how parts can form alliances or stand in opposition to one another. Through candid and heartfelt personal stories, both Sarah and Nicole share how their own parts have conflicted—like an overthinking part battling with a self-critical part—or teamed up to protect them from causing others to get angry. The episode highlights how recognizing these patterns can lead to deeper self-awareness and healing. They also discuss the transformative process of stepping into your authentic Self, and how cultivating trust between parts and the Self can shift inner dynamics toward balance and wholeness.

Nicole Handsman's Website: https://www.nicolehandsmantherapy.com/

The Aware Mind's host, Sarah Vallely has been teaching meditation for over 20 years and is a private coach, helping clients heal from a narcissistic parent, abusive partner, trauma from growing up with ADHD, intrusive thoughts and overwhelming anxiety. 

Important links:
Sarah's Mindfulness Coaching website: https://www.sarahvallely.com
TSD Mindfulness Coach Certification https://www.tsdmind.org

This episode is a meditation for beginner mindfulness meditators and anyone interested in learning supports for a variety of mental health challenges, including overthinking, trauma, intrusive thoughts and self-worth.  The Aware Mind produces content that supports stress reduction, anxiety relief, better concentration and focus, and trauma healing.