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