E39 Psychedelics and Healing: A New Frontier in Therapy with Dr. Nick Brüss

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nick Bruss to explore the deep, transformative potential of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and psychedelic integration work. We talk about what it really means to connect with the younger parts of ourselves—the ones we’ve exiled, ignored, or tried to outgrow—and why healing doesn’t come from thinking our way out of pain, but from being present with it.

Nick shares powerful insights on how intellectualizing can block true healing, the role intuition plays in both therapy and psychedelic experiences, and what integration actually looks like after expanded states of consciousness. We also dive into the neuroscience behind parts work, how to recognize when you're blended with a part, and what happens when those exiled parts finally feel seen.

Highlights include:
– The surprising role of intuition in clinical work
– What “integration” means and why it’s non-negotiable after any breakthrough
– Why over-intellectualizing your trauma might be your #1 block
– How psychedelic therapy complements IFS for deeper transformation
– Simple practices for identifying and unblending from younger parts
– What true self-awareness feels like—not just what it looks like

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their head, disconnected from their body, or unsure how to turn an insight into lasting change.

Key Highlights | 

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Nick Bruss and His Work

02:53 Exploring Internal Family Systems Therapy

05:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery

09:01 Understanding Parts and Their Roles

12:03 Curiosity and Self-Exploration in Therapy

14:58 The Connection Between Parts and Intuition

17:59 Navigating Emotions and Parts in Relationships

20:59 Recognizing and Engaging with Younger Parts

24:05 The Role of Somatic Awareness in Therapy

26:32 Transitioning from Psychotherapy to Coaching

26:32 The Importance of Attention in Self-Discovery

29:10 Exploring Internal Family Systems Therapy

31:52 The Importance of Feeling Over Intellectualizing

34:47 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact

39:40 Avoidance and Numbing Mechanisms

43:33 Connecting with Our Inner Parts

46:49 Transforming Relationships Through Self-Awareness

51:59 Personal Growth and New Beginnings

56:06 The Power of Psychedelics in Healing

56:35 Integration: The Key to Lasting Change

57:50 Understanding the Process of Growth

58:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery

01:01:29 Navigating Patterns and Habits

01:05:25 The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy

01:07:10 Mechanisms of Psychedelics: How They Work

01:12:02 The Importance of Integration Post-Experience

01:13:25 FDA and the Future of Psychedelic Therapy

01:20:11 The Healing Potential of Psychedelics

01:23:04 Openness and Connection in Healing

01:24:14 The Practice of Freedom and Self-Connection

Guest Resources |

@drnickbruss

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-bruss/

apracticeoffreedom.com

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