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Ash Chudgar

A time-lapse view of people with Pride flags throwing colorful streamers over a barricade outside a police station

Community safety from the inside out

What I learned from the 2020 uprising for justice in Minneapolis led me to discover oppressive policing where I least expected it: in my own mind. That discovery led me to the liberating model of community healing I use in my coaching today.

One man visiting another in a hospital bed. He holds a book and touches the other gently on the knee.

“Systems fight death”: A conversation about culture, faith, and endings with deathcare worker Kelly Butler

A few weeks ago, I heard a Canadian stranger mention that she was in the business of “deathcare.” I’d never heard the word before, but I instantly knew what it meant, and it fascinated me. That’s why I tracked down Ottawa deathcare worker Kelly Butler for this conversation about careful ending.

A graphic that says INNER COMMUNITY WRITING WORKSHOP, decorated with whimsical drawings of speaking objects.

Join an Inner Community Writing Workshop

Inner Community Writing Workshops are for folks who want to explore our internal multiplicity in writing. In weekly online meetings, Workshop members support each other’s practice, develop our craft, and pursue healing and liberation in community. Learn more and sign up for the next Workshop here.

Screenshot of two people on a video call, a dark-haired white woman and a bald white man with a dark beard. Both o laughing.

How IFS coaching works: an introduction in video clips

These quick video clips from a demo session show what IFS coaching can be like. Clear, easy-to-read explanations of the concepts in each clip show why the session goes the way it does.

Screenshot of a Zoom with two people. “Michelle” is saying, “Breaking News: Michelle Didn’t Do It!” We’re both laughing.

Demo session 8: Planning for the week to come

A coach or therapist can help you make sense of your own inner world, but you’re the only person who can make the choice to pay attention. In this final moment in our demonstration, “Michelle” and I negotiate a daily practice of internal inquiry that feels doable for her. Do you think she’ll do it?

Screenshot of a Zoom with two people. “Michelle” is saying, “I also feel like, um, it feels dangerous.”

Demo session 7: Paying attention to inner wisdom

When we’re trying to heal hurting parts of ourselves, “slow is fast.” If we rush toward our pain too quickly, protective parts of us will redouble their efforts to keep the pain at bay. That’s why we insist on honoring every protective impulse as it appears — just as we do in this clip.

Screenshot of a Zoom with two people. “Michelle” is saying, “That’s really not helpful!”

Demo session 6: Learning about positive intentions

In Internal Family Systems practice, we take it as given that every part of who you are is doing its very best to keep you alive and safe — but when parts of you are causing you pain, it’s hard to believe they mean well. Listen to how “Michelle” is wary of some of her parts.