In this podcast, CJMiller interviews Orlando O’Shea, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, Jungian life coach, MSW student, writer, and abstract artist. With a deep understanding of psychology and self-exploration, Orlando specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and neurodivergent populations, helping people live more authentically by recognizing the hidden parts of themselves—especially the parts that show up in the form of emotional triggers.

At a time when the world feels increasingly divided, Orlando explains how the aspects of ourselves we reject—our shadow—often show up in others, triggering strong emotional reactions. We see this daily in the news, in political debates, and even in our personal relationships. Jungian psychology teaches that what we most resist in others is often a reflection of something unresolved within ourselves. Internal Family Systems expands on this by viewing the self as a system of different internal parts, each with its own needs, fears, and beliefs. Some of these parts are protective, while others are frozen in time, carrying the weight of past trauma. When someone or something in the world activates these hidden aspects, we react—often with anger, judgment, or fear.

Orlando shares how shadow work helps individuals reclaim these disowned parts, bringing them into conscious awareness instead of projecting them onto others. He notes that jealousy, irritation, or a strong dislike for someone can be powerful entry points for self-inquiry. Rather than asking, “Why are they like that?” we can ask, “When am I like that?”—a shift that fosters self-awareness and emotional resilience.

The conversation also delves into somatic awareness, the practice of noticing where emotions and past experiences reside in the body. Orlando explains that trauma and protective mechanisms don’t just exist in the mind—they are stored physically. Through Internal Family Systems, people learn to recognize these reactive parts, acknowledge their fears, and remind them, “I’ve got this.” Rather than labeling our reactions as flaws, this approach views them as natural survival mechanisms that can be integrated into a healthier sense of self.

In a time of heightened division and polarization, this conversation offers an invaluable perspective on how self-awareness can transform the way we relate to others. By understanding our own internal dynamics, we not only heal ourselves but also create more room for empathy, connection, and deeper conversations in the world around us.

For those interested in diving deeper into Jungian psychology, Orlando recommends:
📖 Why Good People Do Bad Things – James Hollis
📖 The Soul’s Code – James Hillman
📖 Dark Nights of the Soul – Thomas Moore

To learn more about Orlando O’Shea’s work, visit www.orlandooshea.com or follow him on Instagram at @feralsoulcoaching.