Listening When Parts Speak takes the concepts of Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) interwoven with the power of ancestor wisdom to support people on their healing journey. The book teaches about an internal healing resource that we all possess called, “Self.” Tamala Floyd, psychotherapist and IFS lead trainer, introduces the reader to a step-by-step process of learning about their parts; the extreme roles their parts took on to protect from the pain of trauma, emotional wounds, and adverse life experiences; how to release the burdens held by those parts; and how to access to their innate gifts that were hidden by the burdens of trauma. Connecting with Self-led ancestors, makes generations’ worth of ancestor wisdom accessible to the reader and increases the available Self-energy for healing both personal and generational trauma.

Each chapter begins with a story from the author’s life on how she worked with her parts. Her personal vignette is followed by a description of key IFS concepts. Next, she presents a case vignette from her therapy work with clients to further highlight the concepts of the chapter. Each chapter ends with an ancestor-inspired meditation, journaling, and exercises and tools to deepen the learning and healing.

Listening When Parts Speak supports healing on multiple levels. For the reader who seeks to heal emotional pain and trauma on their own, this book supports their path of personal and generational healing. The book is also a wonderful complement to support clients in IFS therapy or coaching. And one of the most powerful steps an IFS therapist or coach can take toward mastery of working with their clients is to work with their own parts and intimately learn their system. Listening When Parts Speak can assist the healer in their personal healing.

“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 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.”

— Jamari Michael White, ancestral medicine practitioner

“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

“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

“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.

— Lisa R. Savage, LCSW, and Kim L. Knight, LMHC, founders of Clinicians of Color, LLC

“Tamala has created a sanctuary within these pages letting readers know that not only do their feelings matter but they hold the key to deep healing.

— 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