The Circle of Connection: Essential Frameworks for Trauma Work

In this special livestream episode of Empowered Through Compassion, David and Heather are joined by an extraordinary panel of contributors from the book IFS-Informed EMDR: Creative and Collaborative Approaches for an amazing conversation exploring foundational frameworks that shape trauma healing.

Together, Bridger Falkenstien, David Archer, Michelli Simpson, Athena Phillips, and Laura Kosak discuss the relational and systemic dimensions of healing, including: intersubjectivity, anti-racist psychotherapy, dissociation and spirituality. We even bring up topics such as predictive processing, structural dissociation, and revolutionary joy! We look at the role that culture and identity plays in therapy.

Throughout the conversation, a shared thread emerges: healing does not happen in isolation. Trauma exists within systems, relationships, histories, and bodies. As a result, healing often requires compassionate attunement within a relational space.

This discussion explores how therapists can move beyond techniques and toward a deeper understanding of the therapeutic relationship itself as part of the healing process. The panel reflects on the importance of slowing down, listening to protective systems, cultivating consent and of course being mindful of co-regulation. We can honor spirituality by understanding how people make meaning of their surroundings and their inner world.

This episode is for therapists, healers, and anyone interested in the evolving intersection of EMDR, IFS, attachment, dissociation, systems thinking, and relational trauma healing.

THEMES DISCUSSED

• IFS-informed EMDR
• Dissociation and structural dissociation
• Predictive processing and memory reconsolidation
• Intersubjective and relational healing
• Trauma and systemic oppression
• Anti-racist psychotherapy
• Spirituality and meaning-making
• Co-regulation and consent
• Therapist parts and relational presence

GUEST HIGHLIGHTS

Bridger Falkenstein

Bridger discusses Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP), intersubjectivity, and the importance of understanding therapy as a relational field rather than a one-person psychology. He explores the “window and mirror” metaphor and how therapists must remain aware of both the client’s experience and their own presence within the room.

Website: https://beyondhealingcenter.com

David Archer

David Archer explores anti-racist psychotherapy, systems awareness, predictive processing, and the relationship between trauma, oppression, dissociation, and culture. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients within broader systemic and historical contexts.

Website: https://archertherapy.com/

Michelle Simpson

Michelle highlights the importance of recognizing the systems surrounding both therapist and clients. She speaks about cultural identity, embodied dissociation, and how therapists can become allies to disempowered and subjugated people. Specifically, she shares importance of being a compassionate witnesses and advocating for clients who are threatened by the larger culture.

Website: https://www.spirosperopllc.com/

Athena Phillips

Athena shares powerful insights on structural dissociation, fragmentation, consent, pacing, and co-regulation. She explores how dissociation can be understood as an adaptive survival strategy and emphasizes the importance of slowing down and gaining permission within trauma work.

Website: https://athenaphillips.com/

Laura Kakalec

Laura discusses spirituality, meaning-making, transpersonal healing, and the importance of helping clients reconnect with a larger sense of belonging and connection. She also reflects on the emerging relationship between AI, emotional support, and the human longing for connection and meaning.

Website: https://laurakosak.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK

IFS-Informed EMDR: Creative and Collaborative Approaches explores the evolving integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Featuring a diverse group of contributors, the book highlights relational, creative, somatic, systemic, and spiritually informed approaches to trauma healing.

Edited by David Polidi. Published by Routledge.

ABOUT EMPOWERED THROUGH COMPASSION

Empowered Through Compassion is a trauma-informed therapy and educational platform co-created by David and Heather Polidi. Through therapy, consultation, podcast conversations, livestreams, and trainings, ETC explores the integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, attachment theory, and relational healing.

The Empowered Through Compassion podcast brings together clinicians, authors, researchers, and healers to explore compassionate and integrative approaches to trauma healing and human connection.

Learn more at: https://www.empoweredthroughcompassion.com