Using Internal Family Systems to Heal Intense Emotions in Daily Life

In this monologue podcast, Conor McMillen discusses how to use Internal Family Systems (IFS) in relation to external interactions and triggers. He explains that while IFS and similar practices often focus inward, it's important to acknowledge the impact of the external world on our emotional states. Using examples like being cut off while driving or breaking a glass, he illustrates how external events can trigger intense emotional reactions rooted in past experiences. McMillen emphasizes that these disproportionate emotional responses are opportunities to connect with and feel emotions that were not fully processed in childhood. By approaching these moments with self-awareness, compassion, and curiosity, individuals can create a safe space to experience and integrate these feelings, ultimately diminishing the intensity of future triggers and consciously choosing to acknowledge the beauty and magic in everyday life.