Listening When Parts Speak: A Practical Guide to Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy and Ancestor Wisdom

by Tamala Floyd LCSW, Richard C. Schwartz Ph.D (Foreword by)

Overview

An expert therapist and teacher leads you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing from collective and intergenerational trauma, based in the powerful practice of Internal Family Systems therapy.

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy is acclaimed for its power to help us recognize and integrate disparate parts of ourselves—a revolutionary course of treatment that can yield extraordinary results. But not all the work of IFS takes place in the confines of traditional therapy sessions. In this thoughtful and compassionate guide, Tamala Floyd, LCSW, gives readers the resources to expand their "parts work" beyond the therapist's office and into daily life—where the real healing happens.

To write Listening When Parts Speak, Floyd draws on 20-plus years of experience as a psychotherapist, teacher, consultant, and coach specializing in healing trauma, and in particular, intergenerational trauma. Each chapter offers lucid explanations of key concepts, illustrative stories from patients (as well as Floyd's own experience), and a guided meditation that can be used either in between therapy appointments to support and reinforce the work or as a way to begin an IFS therapy journey.

In these pages, readers will:

• Explore the healing principles of IFS therapy
• Get to know their own parts—including wounded "exiles" and dedicated "protectors"
• Foster a trusting connection between the parts and the secure Self that connects them all
• Start to free themselves from beliefs that no longer serve them
• Connect with the wisdom and guidance of ancestors for deeper understanding and healing

Practitioners, too, will find Listening When Parts Speak an invaluable resource for supporting their patients and enhancing their own practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781401975661
Publisher:	Hay House Inc.
Publication date:	08/20/2024
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	257
Sales rank:	178,970
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Tamala Floyd, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, IFS lead trainer, consultant, author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience. She received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California and an undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University–Long Beach.

She has taught at the University of Phoenix and the University of Southern California in human services and social work. Her work focuses on women’s trauma, mothering, and relationship issues, helping women identify and heal emotional wounds that impede their success and coaching them in achieving fulfilling life goals. tamalafloyd.com

Editorial Reviews

Tamala’s personal examples are compelling and courageous, and the case studies perfectly illustrate the concepts. People will be able to do considerable work on themselves by trying the exercises and many IFS therapists will assign this book to clients as an adjunct to the therapy.” 
— from the foreword by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D., founder of Internal Family Systems Therapy 

"Listening When Parts Speak skillfully blends Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with the profound wisdom of ancestral medicine healing, providing a transformative path to self-discovery. Whether you are new to IFS or a seasoned practitioner, Tamala's rich prose, courageous vulnerability, and deep insights will undoubtedly guide you on a journey of deep-rooted change and profound healing."— Gabby Bernstein, #1 New York Times best-selling author
 
“Listening When Parts Speak is an ancestral playbook for unlocking the heart of your wounds and the embodied power of your healing. With beautiful vulnerability and potency, Tamala Floyd offers rich medicine that can only be consumed when a person is genuinely ready and willing to be with the dark fears in the corners of their mind and release the terrorizing burdens in the belly of their pain. For those who are ready, I urge you to let Tamala be your unflinching guide on this journey called healing.” 
— Jamari Michael White, Ancestral Medicine Practitioner 
 
“I would like to thank Tamala Floyd’s ancestors for inspiring and guiding her to write this book. As a teacher for over 30 years and an IFS trainer for 20 years, I am extremely impressed with the pedagogy illustrated by Tamala’s writing. Her clarity in teaching—first through authentic personal story, followed by theory, case example, meditation, and journal prompts, and finishing with suggestions for anchoring the learning—was nothing short of brilliant. A must-read for all those wanting to enhance their IFS experience and deepen their relationship with ancestors.” 
— Ann L. Sinko, LMFT, senior IFS trainer 
 
“From the profound wisdom of the ancestors to the depths of our hearts and minds, Listening When Parts Speak is a beautiful blend of personal reflections, heartfelt meditations, and transformative insights. With loving ancestral guidance, Tamala invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and inner healing using the Internal Family Systems model. Listening When Parts Speak rises as essential reading for anyone seeking to explore their inner world and uncover the truest expression of themselves. Thank you, Ancestors! Thank you, Tamala!” 
— Crystal R. Jones, LCSW, Internal Family Systems Institute lead trainer and consultant and founder of Life Source Counseling Center, Inc. 

“I highly recommend Listening When Parts Speak to everyone regardless of your level of understanding of IFS and/or Ancestral Healing. Tamala introduces the reader to both modalities in a clear and understandable way. She then translates the teaching into meditations and exercises that support the reader applying the concepts to their own system. Tamala generously shares her personal journey with IFS and ancestor work in a moving and inspiring way. I encourage you all to read this powerful book and experiment with Tamala’s meditations and exercises. Listening When Parts Speak is an incredible tool that can impact our own internal exploration and our work with our clients.” 
— Pamela K. Krause, LCSW, senior lead trainer for IFS-I 

“In Listening When Parts Speak, Tamala’s expertise and profound commitment to Internal Family Systems shine through every page. She guides readers with an incredibly nurturing touch and a compassionate approach for anyone seeking to embark on or continue their path toward growth, self-respect, and self-fulfillment. Tamala has created a sanctuary within these pages, letting readers know not only do their feelings matter, but they hold the key to deep healing. This book is a mastery of a holistic mind-and-soul approach; it can be a wonderful companion on the journey toward self-love as well as a fantastic guide on the inner workings of IFS.” 
— Lorriane Anderson, spiritual teacher, author of the best-selling The Witch’s Apothecary, and co-author of the best-selling Seasons of the Witch oracle deck series

“Tamala Floyd’s book deepens and expands our connection and understanding with ‘parts’ of ourselves through IFS and support our ancestors, delicately peeling back the layers of life with clarity and wisdom through her personal stories. The book is filled with inspiring meditations of healing and journal exercises, uncovering the power of self-leadership. Tamala leads us in processing trauma and pain, to get in touch with sources of strength, creativity, compassion, and connection to recognize our own true Spirit. You’ll come away with tools to navigate life with wisdom and intuition. A must-read for anyone seeking a holistic approach to healing and self-discovery.” 
— Jataunia Schweitzer, MMTCP, certified mindfulness meditation teacher 

“It’s a privilege to recommend Listening When Parts Speak. Tamala, who has rich experience as a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, beautifully integrates the principles of Internal Family Systems Therapy with the wisdom of our ancestors. Using her extensive expertise and stories from her own healing journey, Tamala makes the exploration of complex therapeutic concepts approachable and deeply engaging. Tamala’s narratives, practical exercises, and meditations highlight the path of IFS and ancestral healing, making it accessible to all. Tamala’s ability to effectuate growth and understanding makes this a valuable resource for therapists, clients, and anyone dedicated to their personal discovery and healing path.”  
— Lisa R. Savage, LCSW, and Kim L. Knight, LMHC, founders of Clinicians of Color, LLC  

“Through ancestral wisdom, we are invited alongside Tamala as she befriends and heals parts of herself, teaching us IFS in the process. This book is unlike other IFS books out there—it offers refreshing guidance on healing intergenerational trauma with the support of our ancestors. Each meditation is a gift offering a chance of self-discovery and connection with our ancestors and with our parts. This is a joy to read and will inspire curiosity and provide healing for many generations to come.” 
— Daphne Fatter, Ph.D., certified IFS licensed psychologist, IFS clinical consultant, certified Ancestral Lineage Healing practitioner  

“Listen and heal! Tamala Floyd has created a gem that will help many people heal for years to come. Using her meditations, I was able to reach and identify deeply rooted trauma that had been suppressed for years. As a result, I’m on a healing journey and see myself in different ways. As I develop relationships with my Parts, giving them a voice and listening to what they have to say will allow me to clear paths and move forward. Listening When Parts Speak will become an essential resource in my life.” 
— Theresa R. Glaspie, counseling client

From the Publisher