Why Avoiding Your Feelings is Like Trying to Hide a Hippo in a Phone Booth

In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, I chat with Terry Baranski, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, about some fresh, non-traditional ways to tackle anxiety.

Terry shares his interesting path from computer science to therapy, stressing how crucial it is to understand trauma and the mind-body connection. We also take a closer look at why some traditional therapies miss the mark and explore how IFS and compassionate inquiry can lead to real healing and self-compassion.

Join us for an insightful conversation that might just change your perspective on anxiety!

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

______________________________

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:44 - Terry Baranski's Background

03:04 - Critique of Traditional Therapy

04:37 - IFS Therapy Overview

05:48 - The Importance of Curiosity in Therapy

07:30 - Analogy of Itching and Scratching

09:45 - Managing vs. Healing Anxiety

11:24 - Mind-Body Connection

12:29 - Critique of Somatic Approaches

13:22 - Integration of Mind and Body in Therapy

16:17 - Overview of IFS Parts

18:04 - Self-Compassion in IFS

19:56 - Trauma and Energy Disruption

22:06 - Conflict Among Parts

23:01 - Self-Blame in Childhood Trauma

25:43 - Repetition Compulsion

26:44 - Anger as a Defense Mechanism

27:46 - Negative Self-Perception

28:09 - Dissociation and Coping Strategies

29:29 - The Role of Self in Healing

31:03 - Childhood Trauma and the Amygdala

32:29 - Connecting Body and Mind

33:20 - Age Regression in Emotional Reactions

36:06 - Recognizing Triggers as Guidepost

37:10 - Healthy Expression of Anger

38:48 - Understanding Trauma and Healing

39:55 - Building Trust with the Self

41:35 - Child Development and Trust

42:04 - The Impact of Trauma on Trust

43:45 - Ego Dragon and Panic Attacks

44:56 - Rapid Trust Development in Therapy

45:29 - Personal Journey of Confidence 

46:26 - Sensitivity and Trauma

47:13 - Healing from the Bottom Up

48:07 - Self-Compassion and Trauma

48:58 - Clearing Trauma for Emotional Freedom

50:07 - Coping Strategies vs. Healing

51:24 - Gradual Exposure to Emotional Pain

52:55 - The Midlife Crisis and Healing

53:22 - Cold Plunge Analogy

54:36 - Building Resilience Through Discomfort

56:09 - Preference for Healing Over Discomfort

57:21 - Empowerment through Facing Pain

58:49 - A Different Path in Therapy

59:37 - Finding Terry Online