343. Using Internal Family Systems to Understand Your Inner Voice with Dana Skaggs

I’m joined by psychotherapist and podcast host Dana Skaggs for a practical look at Internal Family Systems — a therapy model that helps explain why we so often feel like we’re battling different voices inside our own heads.

Dana breaks down what IFS is, how it can help you better understand your inner critic, and why recognizing your internal "parts" can be a powerful tool for navigating anxiety, boundaries, self-sabotage, and more.

Whether you’ve never heard of Internal Family Systems or you’re curious how it works in real life, Dana shares simple, relatable insights that can help you get to know yourself better and handle challenges with more clarity.

Dana Skagg is a keynote presenter and licensed psychotherapist with over 17 years in private practice with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Learn more at https://danaskaggs.com/Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabskaggs-speaker/ 

Opening & Foundation:

1. For anyone who’s never heard of Internal Family Systems, can you explain what it is in simple terms?
   

2. You’ve worked with a lot of different therapy models. What was it about IFS that really resonated with you and your clients?
   

Getting Into the Model: 3. IFS talks about having different “parts” inside us — can you break down what that means? 4. One thing a lot of us experience is feeling like we have an inner critic, or we’re battling competing voices. How does IFS help us make sense of those inner dynamics?

Real-Life Application: 5. For someone who feels stuck or frustrated — maybe they want to make changes but keep self-sabotaging — how can IFS help them approach that differently? 6. You work with a lot of people on anxiety, trauma, and boundaries — where do you see IFS really shine in these areas? 7. How can someone start noticing or identifying their parts in day-to-day life, even if they’re not in therapy?

Common Misconceptions & Challenges: 8. Are there any common misunderstandings people have about IFS when they first start learning about it? 9. Does someone need to go to therapy to use IFS, or are there ways to start applying some of these ideas on your own?

Boundaries Connection (optional bonus question since this is one of her big areas): 10. How do healthy boundaries connect with IFS work? Do certain parts of us tend to push back on setting or holding boundaries?

Wrap-Up: 11. If someone is curious and wants to explore IFS more, where do you recommend they start? 12. Is there one thing you wish more people understood about their inner voice or their parts?

Check out Esther’s website for more about her speaking, coaching, book, and more: http://estheravant.com/

Buy Esther’s Book: To Your Health: https://a.co/d/iDG68qU

Esther’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esther.avant

Esther’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estheravant/

Learn more about 1:1 health & weight loss coaching: https://madebymecoaching.com/coaching