Therapist Jude Carn on Internal Family Systems & Neurodivergence

IFS, or Internal Family Systems, is a powerful and compassionate therapeutic framework for understanding the different “parts” within ourselves—like the inner critic, the protector, the people-pleaser. Through IFS, we can learn how to befriend and heal those parts so we can show up more fully as our true Self. I’m pretty fascinated by IFS and have seen how transformative it can be in helping people truly heal and find more peace in their lives. In my research, I came across a therapist who not only feels the same but has fully stepped into the intersection of IFS and neurodivergence.

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Jude Carn, a certified Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapist, international consultant, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Jude walks us through the core concepts of IFS, explains how this framework can be especially healing for neurodivergent people, who often grow up feeling misunderstood, judged, or exiled, and shares insights on how IFS offers a respectful, empowering approach to trauma that allows each person to move at their own pace. Jude explains that recognizing and befriending one’s own parts can lead to deeper self-acceptance and a better relationship with ourselves.