Clinician Spotlight: Jorge Martin
Internal Family Systems SM (IFS) therapy, developed by Richard Schwartz Ph.D., is more than just a method — it is a paradigm-shifting approach for deeply understanding and appreciating every part of ourselves. The IFS framework encourages a gentle inquiry that allows us to understand ourselves, our families, and our world in a new and holistic way.
This month, The IFS Telehealth Collective is delighted to introduce you to Jorge Martin, a California-based member of our team now accepting clients for Online IFS therapy. We had the opportunity to talk with Jorge about his identity as a Brazilian-American, his love of salsa dancing, and how IFS has become the center of his therapeutic style and his way of listening to his own internal experience.
Q: What drew you to IFS therapy?
JM: I went to a trauma conference and one of the presenters spoke about parts work and how he used it in his practice. He did a demo and it made a lot of sense to me. There were parts of me watching that presentation and saying “this is it!”. After the demo the presenter said that his work was based on IFS and Hakomi. That was the first time I heard about IFS.
I was very intrigued by the model and the idea that our minds are in fact multiple, and that there are really no bad parts – they are all trying to help us somehow. After that event I became a bit obsessed with IFS and tried to read and learn as much as possible about the model while waiting for an opportunity to get into one of the Level 1 trainings.
After a year or so of trying to work with the model, I got into Level 1 and haven’t looked back since. IFS has become my primary framework, my therapeutic style center and a way of listening to my own internal experience.
Q: Can you describe some favorite moments from IFS sessions?
JM: Unburdenings are always special in their own way. It requires so much vulnerability of the clients’ parts to feel safe and comfortable. For them to experience just staying with very vulnerable parts, it's an incredible moment. Being able to witness the process of parts relaxing and letting go is quite special.
I also really appreciate when clients are able to genuinely show appreciation and gratitude for their protector parts. Often, many of these parts have been working really hard for so long, so dedicated, so loyal, playing their role trying to help the best way they know how. Genuine appreciation and compassion for these parts might even be necessary before we can get access to more vulnerable parts!?
Q: What is your favorite analogy for describing IFS that seems to be helpful with clients?
JM: I like to use the analogy of symphonic orchestra. A symphonic orchestra is made up of a large number of musicians and a conductor. Different sections of the orchestra – strings, winds, brass etc.. – have their part to play. The conductor leads all the sections, and ideally the musicians follow the conductor so that all of the sections will play together as One. Without the conductor, it makes it really hard for the musicians to play along with the other musicians. In IFS terms, the conductor is what we call the Self, this “part” of us that can lead all of our parts in a way that is harmonious and integrated. What usually happens for our clients is that we hear a lot of the different sections and musicians, but nobody sees the conductor. IFS helps our clients’ internal parts to recognize that the conductor has always been there and that it can lead their internal worlds and help them have a more harmonious internal experience.
Q: How might clients describe their work with you?
JM: I've gotten comments about my warmth, my compassion, presence and the felt sense of safety they experience throughout the therapeutic process. I also get a lot of comments about my sense of humor. I try to bring humor in when it's appropriate and possible. Being able to laugh with someone, truly sharing a genuine laughter, is one of the greatest proofs of safety. It can be very therapeutic.
Q: What is a favorite quote or poem?
JM: I like Jack Kornfield’s: “Relax, nothing is under control”. I love how humorous it is playing with the common “everything is under control” while wisely reminding us that we in fact have very little control over the things we worry so much about. And we all have parts that are constantly trying to control the outcome of something, figure stuff out, fix things, control, control, control…As scary as it may sound, the reality is that we have a lot less control over the things we worry so much about than we’d like.
I also love the Zen proverb: “Let go or be dragged.” – that one cuts through our grasping like no other! Minimalist, wisdom on a shot glass!
Q: Would you like to give a shout-out to any parts of your internal system?
JM: I have a part that will always look for the evidence that I don't belong. It's very attuned to where and how I am different. I admire the parts that show up around that part and what they do to support it. The supporting parts do a great job of finding ease and relaxing. They listen to the searching part, but don't make it a big deal. In the past, it held me back- feeling into my difference. It reminds me of a Brene Brown quote: “If you want to find something wrong with anything, you will find it.”
I also have a curious part about all kinds of subjects that I have an interesting relationship with. If I let that part drive, I can easily get lost – I keep jumping from one subject to another without much continuity or consistency…I almost feel like I don't go anywhere- paralysis. The curiosity goes by itself. No plan or structure.
At the same time, I am so appreciative of this part. That’s the part that helped me find IFS, and continues to find so many interesting things in life. It also helps me with keeping my heart open to better understand my clients. I am so appreciative of this part!
Q: If you weren’t working as a therapist, what would you be doing?
JM: I love music. I would love to be a musician. Growing up, I thought I really wanted to be a session musician. Recording and playing with a wide variety of artists, different styles of music. My dream wasn’t to be a rock star, it was more about helping artists to record their music, play with a wide variety of artists, record on albums etc…
Q: What encouraged you to move from Brazil to California? Can you share more about that experience?
JM: I was born here in Los Angeles, Pasadena actually, but I grew up in Rio de Janeiro. My dad and mom came here when my father was working on his doctorate, and I was born here. After he was done with school, we went back to Rio. I was around 2 years old. Whatever amount of English I knew quickly went away as I learned Portuguese as my first language. As I grew, I was curious about moving back to California, however, my lack of English held me back.
Many years later, as I was going to college, my family and I had the idea of me coming to California to spend a year or so and learn how to speak English. At that time, knowing how to speak English was a big advantage in the job market. I wasn’t too enthused with college in Brazil, so it felt like the ideal time to come here. I was lucky that my dad’s best friend was coming to Pasadena to spend a year working at CalTech, and he was very generous to host me at his home for that first year. Eventually the idea of staying one year changed to staying another year and I had the opportunity to pursue a Bachelors degree here, so I kept staying and have been here since then.
I identify as Brazilian-American. I am proud of that and have much appreciation and love for both of my homes.
Q: Outside of being a therapist, what do you enjoy doing?
JM: I recently started doing Brazilian jiu jitsu. It's a great exercise! Once you are an IFS therapist, you don't stop watching your parts. It's interesting noticing what parts show up when a 200lb man is trying to choke you!
I have studied and practiced classical guitar for years, and I enjoy walking, hiking, and spending time with friends.
I also enjoy salsa dancing. Learning salsa saved my life in the US. When I lived in Boston and secured my first job, all of my friends moved after college. I knew that I needed to find a hobby as I was depressed just working. I found a dance studio and started taking salsa lessons. I would dance 3-5x a week! It has shifted since the pandemic. I am too shy to compete, but a committed social dancer!
Does Jorge Martin sound like the right therapist to guide you on your journey? If you are based in California, contact our Client Care Coordinator or call 503-447-3244 to schedule a consultation.
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