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Jennifer O'Sullivan

@jenniferosullivan.bsky.social
125 followers 42 following 122 posts

Inner Wayfinding with Parts Work & Time-Tested Mind-Body Practices 💫 Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practitioner 💫 Embodied Awareness~ Yoga & Mindfulness 💫 Currently Pursuing: Positive Psychology & Coaching GDip www.sati.yoga

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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
This month on the pod,, we're training up compassion. Highlights: ~ cultivating an open-hearted attitude ~ character strengths of enlightened beings ~ Lojong, Tibetan Buddhist Mind Training for cultivating compassion www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
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#109 Training in Compassion - Skillful Means Podcast
Continuing our series on Awakening the Heart, this month we're exploring the Buddhist path of the bodhisattva through the cultivation of bodhicitta - the awakened heart-mind that forms the foundation of compassionate living. Drawing from Maha...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Anger can catalyze us but can't sustain us. How do we keep our spirits up when the world feels overwhelming? Out now: why shouldn't feel guilty for endorsing we foreground what brings us joy and happiness. Check out Skillful Means Podcast 🎧 on your fav player: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Feeling cynical lately? Me too! Who can blame us? I mean... Out now on the pod, a guided practice to help you (and me) stay open-hearted. Inspired by the teachings of Roshi Joan Halifax. Check out Skillful Means Podcast 🎧 on your fav player: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#106 Strong Back, Soft Front Guided Meditation - Skillful Means Podcast
This month's practice features an embodied mediation to help you stay present with life's challenges without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down. Inspired by Roshi Joan Halifax's teachings, you'll cultivate a foundation of stability to unde...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
I don’t like the term firefighter either. I prefer “reactors” but probably bc a lot of mine are fighters. Not in a “douse a fire (aka big emotion) with drugs and distractions” kinda way but in “who can I punch in the face right now” way. I also have a lot of reactive “sense makers” who ruminate.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Agree! I try to avoid these terms and org chart. This is the problem with this paradigm emerging from therapy world. It’s only ever framed in deficit terms. I have “managers” and “firefighters” that are cooperative and that surprises some of my colleagues.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
They do tend to cluster around these dev stages but not always. I think a challenge for IFS ppl is that not all “burdens”/beliefs are event-based. IFS folks are only starting to think in terms of systemic influences, which is a wider thing going on in western-influenced psychology.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
One doesn’t have to do the visualization to “do” parts work. One of my trainers said he reckoned ~30% of ppl can’t/don’t. I mostly don’t “see” parts, instead sense them in other ways or they are cognitive constructs. I just know a “part” is a line of thinking that isn’t fully endorsed, also by me.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Disclaimer: I didn’t read this article but I’m IFS trained. Not a therapist, good at conceptualizing things and I don’t tow the party line. Answer to your Q. It’s both and either. Overall, it’s the former. If ppl can’t sign on to at least the concepts, IFS won’t work for them.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
There is nothing wrong with your feelings. In the latest pod, I share Buddhist and psychological takes on working with difficult emotions. And I offer some simple ways to create a welcoming environment for all your parts. 🎧 on the web or your fav app: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co... #skyIFS
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#105 Embracing Difficult Emotions - Skillful Means Podcast
This month, we're looking at a question that comes up a lot:All parts are supposed to be welcome, but how do we work with feelings we don't like?Drawing on Buddhist wisdom and the function of emotions, we're exploring:Why equanimity is about inclu...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
ICYMI: When you need to feel both grounded AND energized. 🎧 on your fav player or at: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#104 Earth and Sky Guided Visualization Practice - Skillful Means Podcast
The Taoists believe that we can harness the stabilizing qualities of Earth Qi along with the generative qualities of  Heaven/Sky Qi to improve physical health, increase longevity, and cultivate inner harmony. In this guided practice, Jen...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
#skyIFS, I'm trying something out: drop-in yoga, mindfulness, and parts work gatherings. These pay-what-you-can sessions will help you reconnect to your inner wisdom and ground your awareness in embodied presence. For "these times." First one: May 8 at 12pm EDT. www.sati.yoga/ifs-coaching...
sati.yoga
Pause & Reset Sessions: Desk-friendly Yoga, Mindfulness, and IFS Parts Work with Jennifer O'Sullivan, Level 3 Certified IFS Practitioner
Gentle Yoga, Mindfulness, and IFS Parts Work to help you reconnect to your inner wisdom and ground your awareness in embodied presence.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
New practice on Skillful Means Podcast! For when you're feeling both drained AND wired. This Taoist Earth & Sky Qi meditation brings you grounded stability + that spark to keep going. Just 10 minutes to feel human again. 🎧 on your fav player or at: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#104 Earth and Sky Guided Visualization Practice - Skillful Means Podcast
The Taoists believe that we can harness the stabilizing qualities of Earth Qi along with the generative qualities of  Heaven/Sky Qi to improve physical health, increase longevity, and cultivate inner harmony. In this guided practice, Jen...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Another great one from Worry Lines. I've got a cluster of parts that have internalized a lot of beliefs around how I should act, particularly because I circulate in spiritual spaces. How about you?
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Ok.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
My tween parts are all: OMG, we have something in common with Will Wheaton. 🤩 You didn't see that... Anyway... This is a great pitch for what getting on your own side with IFS looks like. #skyIFS
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Ok, actually 3/2... Having parts does not mean you need treatment (with IFS or anything else) b/c having parts, by itself, is not a problem. Parts, as a metaphor, is a way of relating to the mind and exploring its patterns inc perspectives, believes, motivations, preferences, fears, concerns...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Everyone has parts, not everyone has DID. You can use IFS to treat DID. But IFS cannot be treated b/c it is not a diagnosis, it is a method.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
I think there's a semantic quibble here: IFS is a methodology, DID is a diagnosis. The underlying theory of IFS, called multiplicity of mind, is a broader concept in psychology that does overlap with DID. DID is when parts become completely unintegrated/separated due to trauma. 1/2
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
All the time
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
The Q get the most from clients: how do I create space around my feelings so I don't start throwing things? ICYMI: a meditation that can help you get some space and clarity when you don't have time to do a deep dive with your parts. #skyIFS #IFS www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#103 I See You, I'm With You Guided IFS Practice - Skillful Means Podcast
There are definitely times when we need to get a hold of ourselves. But how do we do that without dismissing our feelings? This brief Parts Work practice is for moments when you feel too activated or busy for deeper introspection but also nee...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Let your parts know that you see them. This quick #IFS meditation will help you stay grounded (access Self Energy) without bypassing what you're really feeling. Try this out when you aren't able to do a full check-in with your parts. #skyIFS www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#103 I See You, I'm With You Guided IFS Practice - Skillful Means Podcast
There are definitely times when we need to get a hold of ourselves. But how do we do that without dismissing our feelings? This brief Parts Work practice is for moments when you feel too activated or busy for deeper introspection but also nee...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
I put my kid on a plane to Japan without me this morning. One of the everyday benefits of parts work is being able to access the equanimity that lies in the middle of my worried mama parts and my inner excited teenager. #skyifs
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
ICYMI: Grounding practices that build resilience! 🌱 Learn 6 principles for accessing your inner strength + how to honor your values without creating division. Listen now: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
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#100 What's Stopping You? Buddhist and IFS Perspectives on Resistance - Skillful Means Podcast
Ever wonder why you feel resistant to doing something that you actually want to do? This month we're unpacking the complexities of resistance through Buddhist teachings and IFS Parts Work. We're going to scrap the self-sabotaging label and ge...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Yes. I’ve been thinking about ways to buffer ourselves against the ongoing damage of cultural burdens. We can do all this inner work and still get knocked down by “this.” I think this kind of analysis has to be part of that buffering. #skyIFS
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
During "these times" are you taking care of your mental health and wellbeing? Find out how grounding practices not only help us cope with adversity, but they're also empowering. + 6 principles of effective grounding practices + tips for creating a toolkit www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
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#100 What's Stopping You? Buddhist and IFS Perspectives on Resistance - Skillful Means Podcast
Ever wonder why you feel resistant to doing something that you actually want to do? This month we're unpacking the complexities of resistance through Buddhist teachings and IFS Parts Work. We're going to scrap the self-sabotaging label and ge...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Having ADHD, I used to blame procrastination on my brain. But when I asked my procrastinating parts what was happening, their answers changed my business. Now I treat procrastination as a smoke signal. Get to know your procrastinators with this #IFS meditation 🎧: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#101 Working with Resistance Guided IFS Practice - Skillful Means Podcast
Instead of speculating endlessly about why you might be avoiding something, ask the part that's hesitating!Based on Internal Family Systems (IFS), this guided parts work practice will help you identify and get to know the part (or parts) that are ...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Rather than pushing through resistance, what might it be trying to tell you? Out now on Skillful Means Podcast: an #IFS meditation to help you get to know and work with resistant parts. 🎧: www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co...
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#101 Working with Resistance Guided IFS Practice - Skillful Means Podcast
Instead of speculating endlessly about why you might be avoiding something, ask the part that's hesitating!Based on Internal Family Systems (IFS), this guided parts work practice will help you identify and get to know the part (or parts) that are ...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Struggling with procrastination, perfectionism, or just feeling stuck? It might not be what you think! ICYMI: On this month's episode of the podcast, I unpack resistance and the hidden wisdom in our hesitations! #IFS www.buzzsprout.com/466651/e...
buzzsprout.com
#100 What's Stopping You? Buddhist and IFS Perspectives on Resistance - Skillful Means Podcast
Ever wonder why you feel resistant to doing something that you actually want to do? This month we're unpacking the complexities of resistance through Buddhist teachings and IFS Parts Work. We're going to scrap the self-sabotaging label and ge...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
"The eighth quality is not involving oneself in spurious talk or useless argument that is not beneficial." Haha, the Buddha basically warned us about social media 2500 years ago.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
Resistance isn't futile—it's a sign that something needs attention! In the current episode of Skillful Means Podcast, explore the five hindrances that slow down growth and how to navigate them. What might your resistance tell you? #IFS www.buzzsprout.com/466651/e...
buzzsprout.com
#100 What's Stopping You? Buddhist and IFS Perspectives on Resistance - Skillful Means Podcast
Ever wonder why you feel resistant to doing something that you actually want to do? This month we're unpacking the complexities of resistance through Buddhist teachings and IFS Parts Work. We're going to scrap the self-sabotaging label and ge...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
A recent theme with several #IFS coaching clients is helping productivity-burned parts get more comfortable with the idea that some things will take longer to accomplish or need some tweaks while they work around constraints. Getting yourself in trouble for not being super human isn't the way.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
There is something off about a culture that teaches people not to factor these things into our planning and expectations. That we should either magically work around financial constraints or give up time with family and friends. (cont and last one)
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
the things that naturally take up some of your time and energy or set limits on what you can do. These include, but are not limited to, caregiving responsibilities, financial constraints, environment (proximity and access to resources), right to pleasure, fortifying social bonds, etc. (cont)
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
I've noticed that my US clients don't do that. They accuse themselves of not being committed or organized b/c things took longer than they planned. Or are frustrated with themselves when they feel tired all the time. Then I ask them about their external constraints, (cont)
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
"Well, it's already time for me to go home. I'll start on it on Monday." They GET that they have responsibilities / commitments/ leisure plans outside of work that are deserving of their time and attention. (cont)
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
One of things I noticed while living in Holland is that Dutch ppl are really adept at maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. They close the store right on time. If you drop something on them at 5pm Fri, they will tell you: (cont)
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Really feeling the truth of this. No individual technique is sacrosanct.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
How to transmute these feelings into something constructive?
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Awe thank you!
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Ever wonder why you feel resistant to doing something that you actually want to do?  This month on the podcast, I'm unpacking the complexities of resistance through two lenses: Buddhism and #IFS Parts Work. www.buzzsprout.com/466651/e...
buzzsprout.com
#100 What's Stopping You? Buddhist and IFS Perspectives on Resistance - Skillful Means Podcast
Ever wonder why you feel resistant to doing something that you actually want to do? This month we're unpacking the complexities of resistance through Buddhist teachings and IFS Parts Work. We're going to scrap the self-sabotaging label and ge...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Aside: I’m going to get my artsy kid to do a comic rendition of my new imaginary band called The Neg Emos. Stay tuned.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
If not for the whole alliteration thing, the “calm” of self energy is a really “equanimity.” I meant to tell you the other day when you mentioned struggling better. One of the TNH retreats I went on was called The Art of Suffering. Was about compassion.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Also this. 💯
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Our inner practices (IFS, meditation,etc) aren’t meant to make us feel calm and peaceful all the time. They help us meet and understand the 💩 that’s happening to us, not bypass it.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
For whoever needs to hear this: feeling anxious or angry does NOT mean you’re disregulated. Those are NORMAL responses to injustice and uncertainty. Neg emos are messengers. Lean in. Get curious. 🧵
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
PS. I don’t think the show writer is specifically referencing IFS. The idea of erasing traumatic memories wouldn’t require specific knowledge. But what makes it IFSy (poss by coincidence) is personifying them, particularly dressing up “the part” in specific looks.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
I’ve been reluctant to associate Severance with IFS. Not everything to do with walling off the brain is about parts as we think of them. But ep 207 has me wondering. Is Lumon trying to isolate burdened parts (trauma) so ppl don’t have to experience those memories anymore? #severance
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
There’s an aspect of #IFS that you can’t read in a book or learn in a training. To fully realize the potential of parts work, you have to embody the premise that all parts are worthy and deserving of your care. And that they have something to contribute. IFS is a way of being not a checklist.
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Which all the 💩 that's going on, we need practices that help us find our ground. This yin yoga class features poses that support deep regeneration. Through stillness, we reconnect with our innate capacity for stability & self-trust. www.skillfulmeanspodcast.co... #yinyoga #ifs #mindfulness
skillfulmeanspodcast.com
#99 Come Home to Yourself, Yin Yoga Guided Practice - Skillful Means Podcast
As a practice of being, Yin Yoga creates a unique container for exploring the restless impulses to fix while encouraging us to relax into self-acceptance. In this short practice, Jen shares three postures that target the Earth element as a wa...
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Jennifer O'Sullivan @jenniferosullivan.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
👀
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