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.