Mel’s Corner:
Thoughts, Musings, Podcasts & More
This is more than just a corner; it’s an invitation to pause, explore, and learn.
So, take a seat, dive in, and join me on this journey of exploration and discovery. Let’s learn, reflect, and experience new things together in this little corner of the world!
Navigating Hard Times with Compassion and Grace by Mel Galbraith
The importance of being a Self-Led therapist, and staying regulated so clients parts don’t always have to, being able to hold attuned space with them, and part of this is the responsibility of the therapist to do their own work. Here are examples of: 1. What IFS looks like, and 2. Sessions of me doing my own work.
Mel and Bob
Mel and Rick
Mel’s Podcasts
Unblending and Direct Access with Mel Galbraith | Internal Family Systems Therapy
In this episode of the Going Inside Podcast, John Clarke sits down with Mel Galbraith — a Level 3 IFS therapist and COO of IFSCA — to explore the practical side of unblending and direct access in Internal Family Systems therapy. They dive into what to do when clients struggle to “drop in” or when protectors are reluctant to step back, with Mel offering thoughtful insights on how to navigate these moments with curiosity, patience, and flexibility.
The conversation also touches on the role of self-energy in creating a sense of safety, how to avoid bypassing protective parts, and the delicate balance between staying true to the IFS model while meeting clients where they are.
Ep. 189: Leadership, Legacy, and Loss with Mel Galbraith
In today's conversation, Tammy Sollenberger speaks with Mel Galbraith, Chief Operating Officer of the Internal Family Systems Counselling Association (IFSCA), about her journey through grief, leadership, and transformation following the passing of Derek Scott, the founder of IFSCA. Mel opens up about her personal connection with Derek, the lasting legacy he created, and how stepping into a leadership role has shaped her life and her relationship with her parts. They discuss the complexities of grief and how IFS has been instrumental in helping Mel navigate both her professional and personal challenges. Mel also shares exciting new initiatives at IFSCA, including advanced courses and community connection opportunities, ensuring that Derek’s vision continues to thrive.
Self-Like Parts & IFS with Mel Galbraith of IFSCA
In this episode, John Clarke is joined once again by Mel Galbraith of IFSCA, a seasoned IFS therapist and teacher, to explore what it truly means to be self-led in the therapy room. They discuss the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways therapist parts show up during sessions and how being human—and having parts—doesn’t make us bad therapists. In fact, when we tend to those parts with care, we expand our ability to hold space for client. The conversation delves into how therapist agendas can interrupt attunement, why love and curiosity are essential when working with any system, and how the work we do on ourselves is just as important as what we do with our clients. If you’re a practitioner looking to deepen your self-leadership and enhance your IFS skills, this episode is for you.
Mel’s notes from Within
Roots, Roads, and Reflections: A Glimpse Into My World
Nestled in the quiet countryside of Dundalk, Ontario, my life is shaped by nature, community, motherhood, and a deep commitment to healing work. This first personal blog is a warm invitation into my world—where gravel roads meet inner exploration, where IFS became both a professional path and a personal transformation, and where meaningful connections continue to shape who I am today.
My Story Begins…
In the Firelight: A Journey of Trust, Loss, and Becoming
A deeply personal reflection on grief, growth, and choosing to trust myself
I’ve been sitting with how to put words to this part of my journey — and honestly, it still feels like I’m living it. But it’s important that I share this, because it’s been one of the most tender, raw, and transformative times in my life.
Grief, Parts, and the Stories We Carry
Grief shows up in countless ways, yet many of our parts have been taught to turn away from it.
Grief touches every corner of our lives—shifting, returning, reshaping itself as we move through the countless losses that come with being human. This reflection explores how loss shows up in big and small ways, and how our system learns to carry it.
Can we be blended with a part and still be SELF-LED?
You know those times when you are just moving through life and you hear, 'Better do that first; it’s easier when I do it that way,' and you respond by saying, 'Good idea, part.' Okay, I know not everyone reading this will be able to relate, but I know some will...
The greater the presence of Self-led parts within us, the more Self-energy we can bring to our wounded parts.
Parts and the Power of Connection (Internally and Externally)
How do we stay Self-led when our parts are activated? How do we hold space for ourselves while still showing up for others?
The weight of the world can feel unbearable at times. Whether it’s personal hardships, collective grief, or the echoes of past trauma stirred up by current events; many of us are carrying heavy burdens.
The Importance of Self-Led Attunement with Clients
Becoming an IFS therapist isn’t just about learning the model—it’s about doing your own inner work.
To guide clients effectively, we must be willing to go deeper within ourselves. As we work with more complex systems, the need for attuned and expansive Self-energy becomes even greater. Sometimes clients touch raw places inside us, and it’s in those moments that our own inner work truly matters.
2024 Reflections - Holding Space for our parts…
Hold space for both the hard and the tender. Let your parts know they are not alone, and that they have your loving attention.
An Invitation TO BE WITH Your Parts