Living a Life in Balance - PODCAST

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What if the different voices, emotions, and reactions inside you are not signs that something is wrong with you, but parts of you trying to protect you?

Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D., joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), the therapeutic model he developed to help people understand and work with the different parts of themselves.

In this conversation, Richard explains how his early work with people struggling with eating disorders led him to discover the concept of parts, and how his own childhood experiences shaped his understanding of protection, fear, and emotional pain.

Together, Abdullah and Richard explore what IFS can teach us about protectors, exiles, and the Self, including why Richard believes there are “no bad parts” and how even the most difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can have a protective intention.

Richard also guides Abdullah through a live IFS exercise, offering a practical glimpse into how the approach can help us connect with parts of ourselves that may have been carrying pain for years.

The conversation goes further into how IFS works in therapy, whether it can be practiced safely as a form of self-help, how it can be adapted for people who struggle to access their emotions, and the potential relationship between IFS and psychedelics such as MDMA and ketamine.

Richard also shares his vision for the future of IFS, including its potential applications in trauma recovery, prisons, and collective healing, as well as the personal practices he uses to stay balanced.

About Richard:
Dr. Schwartz is an American systemic family therapist, academic, author, and creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) branch of therapy. He developed his foundational work with IFS in the 1980s after theorizing that his clients were made up of many different parts of their “Self.” He teaches that “Our inner parts contain valuable qualities, and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole.” In IFS, all parts are welcome.

00:00:00 - Podcast Introduction: Dr. Richard Schwartz & Internal Family Systems (IFS)
00:01:37 - Dr. Richard Schwartz’s Childhood, Family & Path to Psychotherapy
00:05:19 - How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Was Discovered
00:07:07 - Childhood Loneliness, Family Dynamics & Emotional Pain
00:09:17 - How Protective Parts Develop to Cope With Fear & Criticism
00:11:18 - Using IFS to Understand Our Own Family Dynamics
00:13:35 - Discovering the “Parts” Within Us
00:16:10 - IFS Explained: Protectors, Exiles & the Inner World
00:18:01 - “No Bad Parts”: Do All Parts Have a Positive Intention?
00:22:36 - Can Internal Family Systems Change Psychotherapy & Heal Conflict?
00:25:25 - LIVE IFS Demonstration: Connecting With a Part
00:33:10 - Managers vs. Firefighters: The Two Types of Protective Parts
00:38:58 - How IFS Therapy Works: Accessing & Healing Exiled Parts
00:41:41 - IFS, Rational Minds & Narcissistic Traits: Building Trust in Therapy
00:45:17 - Can You Practice IFS Without a Therapist?
00:49:32 - IFS & Psychedelics: MDMA, Ketamine & Accessing the Self
00:54:24 - The Future of IFS: Trauma, Prisons & Collective Healing
00:57:05 - How Dr. Schwartz Uses IFS to Stay Balanced
01:00:05 - A Message of Hope: No Bad Parts & the Healing Self

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How do trauma, addiction, and neurodivergence shape the course of a life, and what does real healing actually look like?

Araminta Jonsson, Founder and CEO of Masters Events and organiser of Europe's largest trauma conference at the University of Oxford, joins Abdullah Boulad for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, addiction recovery, autism, ADHD, resilience, and finding purpose after adversity.

Together, they explore Araminta's extraordinary journey, from being thrown out of home at 15, living homeless on the streets of Miami, and battling cocaine addiction, to receiving a late autism and ADHD diagnosis and becoming one of the leading voices bringing together the world's foremost trauma experts. She shares how addiction became a way of coping with undiagnosed neurodivergence and unresolved trauma, why recovery is about addressing the root cause rather than the symptom, and the lessons that transformed her life.

The conversation also explores the science of trauma healing, nervous system regulation, community, creative expression, and the importance of feeling safe to recover.

Drawing on insights from leading experts including Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and years of experience organising global trauma conferences, Araminta discusses the practices that support lasting healing, the power of connection, and why purpose plays such a vital role in recovery.

Whether you're navigating addiction, trauma, autism, ADHD, mental health challenges, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of healing and personal transformation, this episode offers honest insights into resilience, recovery, and what it truly means to build a life in balance.

About Araminta Jonsson:
Araminta is the Founder and CEO of Masters Events, the organisation behind Europe's largest trauma conference, Transforming Trauma, held at the University of Oxford. Through her work, she brings together many of the world's leading experts in trauma, addiction, neuroscience, and mental health to advance education, collaboration, and recovery. Drawing from her own lived experience of addiction, neurodivergence, and healing, Araminta is passionate about creating spaces where science, lived experience, and community come together to help people heal.

00:01:44 - Growing Up with Undiagnosed Autism & ADHD
00:03:19 - Homeless at 16: Living on the Streets of Miami
00:07:14 - Returning Home and Rebuilding Through Education
00:10:25 - The Journey to an Adult Autism & ADHD Diagnosis
00:12:32 - How a Late Neurodivergence Diagnosis Changed Everything
00:14:41 - Food, Cocaine & Relationship Addiction Explained
00:17:08 - Cocaine Addiction in Colombia: Hitting Rock Bottom
00:20:43 - Asking for Help and Beginning Addiction Recovery
00:23:45 - Pregnancy, Sobriety & Finding Hope Again
00:26:18 - Relapse, Rehab & Surviving an Abusive Relationship
00:29:35 - Teaching Creative Writing in Prisons After Addiction
00:34:25 - How Recovery Led to a Career in Mental Health Events
00:36:49 - From Addiction Conferences to Trauma Education
00:41:05 - Building One of the World's Biggest Trauma Events
00:42:10 - Launching the Transforming Trauma Conference at Oxford
00:49:29 - What the World's Leading Trauma Experts Teach
00:51:15 - Finding Purpose After Addiction and Trauma
00:53:25 - The Future of Trauma Education & Global Collaboration
00:56:00 - Daily Habits That Support Mental Health & Recovery
00:57:24 - Simple Wellbeing Tips Everyone Can Start Today

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You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51
 
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on Living A Life In Balance are their own and do not reflect the views of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic or Abdullah Boulad. This content is for general information only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views shared reflect the guest's individual clinical experience and may differ from mainstream clinical consensus. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances.

Can we explore difficult mental health topics without shutting down the conversation?

Dr. Az Hakeem, Consultant Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychotherapist, and Group Analyst, joins Abdullah Boulad for a thought-provoking conversation about psychiatry, gender dysphoria, identity, trauma, psychotherapy, autism, burnout, and the importance of critical thinking in mental healthcare.

Drawing on decades of experience in both the NHS and private practice, Dr. Hakeem reflects on his work in forensic psychotherapy before discussing the gender dysphoria psychotherapy service he established in the UK. He shares his clinical approach to understanding gender distress, why he believes psychotherapy should play a central role before irreversible medical interventions, and how his views evolved through years of working closely with patients.

The conversation explores the relationship between biological sex and gender, the complexity of identity development, the role of autism and trauma in some patients presenting with gender dysphoria, and why Dr. Hakeem believes curiosity, careful assessment, and open dialogue remain essential in mental health practice. Abdullah and Dr. Hakeem also discuss parenting, supporting gender-questioning children, and the importance of creating space for conversations rather than rushing toward conclusions.

Beyond gender, the discussion examines forensic psychotherapy, the lasting psychological impact of trauma, sexual behavior, emotional development, and the realities of treating anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout among high-performing professionals. Dr. Hakeem also shares practical advice on maintaining balance, protecting mental wellbeing, and avoiding the gradual path toward burnout.

Whether you are interested in psychiatry, psychotherapy, mental health, trauma, gender identity, parenting, emotional wellbeing, or psychological resilience, this episode offers an in-depth conversation on some of today's most challenging and widely debated topics through the lens of one clinician's decades of experience.

About Dr Az: Dr. Hakeem is a highly qualified Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, and published author with over 25 years of experience. He completed his specialist training in Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy at the Royal Free Hospital and the Portman Clinic (Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust). He also holds an MSc in Group Analysis (Distinction) from Birkbeck, University of London and is a qualified Group Analyst.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Az Hakeem
00:01:52 - From Art and Literature to Psychiatry
00:03:30 - Inside the World of Forensic Psychotherapy
00:06:24 - Childhood, Identity and Growing Up Different
00:08:13 - The Story Behind the Goth Aesthetic
00:18:08 - Understanding Biological Sex, Gender and Gender Identity
00:24:13 - Regret After Gender Transition: A Psychiatrist's Perspective
00:27:04 - Autism and Gender Dysphoria: Exploring the Connection
00:29:36 - The Tavistock Clinic Debate and Gender Care
00:34:05 - Group Therapy for Gender Dysphoria: An Alternative Approach
00:42:04 - Gender Medicine and the Debate Around Children
00:44:24 - Supporting Gender-Questioning Children: Advice for Parents
00:46:39 - Trauma, Sexual Development and Human Behavior
00:53:18 - The Role of Curiosity in Mental Health Treatment
00:56:42 - Why Every Story Deserves to Be Heard
01:00:45 - Parenting Without Labels or Judgment
01:06:14 - Burnout, Anxiety and Depression in High Performers
01:08:47 - Why 'Mindless TV' Can Help Mental Recovery
01:10:06 - Dr. Az Hakeem's Daily Habits for Balance
01:12:30 - Final Reflections on Mental Health and Human Behaviour

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You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 

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Can childhood experiences shape the way we love, heal, and see ourselves as adults?

Jill Moore, Client Relations Director at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic and Yoga Practitioner, joins Abdullah Boulad for an honest conversation about childhood trauma, emotional healing, mental health, yoga, healthy relationships, and personal transformation.

Together, they explore how early family experiences, emotional suppression, and the search for validation can influence self-worth and relationship patterns later in life. Jill opens up about surviving an abusive relationship, rebuilding her confidence, and how yoga, therapy, and somatic healing became essential parts of her recovery journey.

The conversation also examines the importance of healthy boundaries, vulnerability, family healing, and the realities of working in mental health. Jill shares what she has learned from supporting clients through recovery, why compassion and authenticity matter in healing, and how these experiences inspired her mission to help children and teenagers build emotional resilience through mindfulness and yoga.

Whether you're navigating trauma, healing from difficult relationships, interested in mental health, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of personal growth, this episode offers thoughtful insights into resilience, self-awareness, and what it truly means to create a life in balance.

About Jill Moore:
Jill is a Yoga Practitioner and Director of Experience & Admissions at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic. Passionate about the connection between yoga, mindfulness, and mental health, she helps individuals develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and balance. Inspired by her own healing journey, Jill advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing and is dedicated to supporting people on their path toward recovery and personal growth.
 
00:00:00 - Introduction to Jill Moore's Journey
00:02:04 - The Childhood Trauma That Changed Everything
00:04:29 - Growing Up Without Emotional Safety
00:05:51 - Self-Worth, Family Expectations & Seeking Validation
00:10:46 - How Low Self-Esteem Led to a Toxic Relationship
00:12:19 - Surviving an Abusive Relationship
00:17:05 - The Life Lessons Hidden in Trauma
00:20:15 - Why We Try to Heal Other People
00:22:02 - How Yoga Became a Path to Healing
00:23:40 - Leaving Everything Behind to Become a Yoga Teacher
00:26:47 - Why Yoga Is More Than Physical Exercise
00:28:08 - Working in Mental Health at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic
00:31:00 - Somatic Therapy and Releasing Stored Trauma
00:34:26 - Healing Family Relationships Through Honest Conversations
00:37:01 - Why Children Need Emotionally Available Parents
00:40:31 - The Challenges and Rewards of Helping Others Heal
00:44:52 - Jill's Mission to Help Children Build Emotional Resilience
00:48:22 - Daily Habits for Better Mental Health and Balance
00:50:01 - Why Animals Can Be Powerful for Emotional Healing
00:50:31 - Final Reflections on Healing, Purpose & Living in Balance
 
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You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51
 
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Can horses help people heal from addiction, ADHD, trauma, and emotional challenges in a deeper, more connected way?

In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Denise Stergoulis joins Abdullah Boulad, CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a powerful conversation about equine therapy, addiction recovery, ADHD, mental health, trauma healing, relapse, personal growth, and the emotional connection between humans and horses.

Drawing from her own recovery journey, Denise shares how overcoming addiction led her to become an addiction therapist and equine therapy practitioner. She discusses growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, finding purpose later in life, and the lessons she has learned from helping people navigate recovery, relapse, trauma, and personal growth.

The episode explores how horses can act as powerful emotional mirrors, helping individuals build self-awareness, trust, confidence, and connection. Denise also explains why recovery is about much more than stopping a behavior, it is about addressing the deeper issues underneath and creating lasting change.

Whether you are interested in mental health, addiction recovery, ADHD, personal development, trauma healing, or equine-assisted therapy, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and inspiration.

About Denise:
Denise is an experienced Integrative therapist with specialist recognition in substance addiction. She combines her extensive experience with an incisive, challenging, and empowering style to maximize healing and growth. She combines traditional methods with specialist equine-assisted psychotherapy to develop a highly tailored plan for a wide variety of clients.
 

00:00:00 - From Addiction Recovery To Helping Others Heal
00:01:32 - The Power Of Hope In Recovery And Healing
00:03:11 - Growing Up With Undiagnosed ADHD And Dyslexia
00:04:52 - Leaving London To Find Purpose In Australia
00:07:39 - How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed Everything
00:09:50 - Why Horses Became A Lifelong Source Of Strength
00:12:17 - Building Confidence Through Horses And Purpose
00:14:19 - From Media Career To Motherhood And Identity Loss
00:18:59 - Reinventing Life After Raising Three Children
00:22:06 - From Patient To Addiction Therapist At The Priory
00:23:43 - Going Back To University Later In Life
00:26:41 - What Working In Addiction Recovery Taught Me
00:30:47 - Why Addiction Recovery Is Harder Than Most People Think
00:33:48 - The Habits Behind Long-Term Recovery Success
00:37:27 - How Equine Therapy Helps People Heal Faster
00:43:55 - How Horses Detect Human Emotions And Anxiety
00:47:34 - Why Equine Therapy Helps People Get Unstuck
00:50:27 - Inside An Equine Therapy Session
00:58:04 - Who Can Benefit Most From Horse-Assisted Therapy?
01:03:34 - Finding Purpose, Passion And Balance In Life

Follow Abdullah Boulad: 
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Follow Denise:
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You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 

Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: 
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