How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Changes the Way We Understand Illness

In this episode, Keith speaks with Lou Lucas, Chief of Palliative Medicine at the Nebraska and Western Iowa Veterans Health Care Systems, about the deep connections between mind, body, and spirit in healing.

They explore what palliative medicine actually is, why communication and meaning matter as much as treatment, and how stress, trauma, and emotional suppression can shape physical illness. Lou explains how our immune systems respond to chronic stress, why autoimmune conditions often reflect deeper internal conflict, and how healing begins when we stop fighting parts of ourselves.

The conversation also dives into Internal Family Systems (IFS), the concept of Self or soul, and how working with inner parts can restore balance and resilience. Lou introduces her concept of "pallia-delic" medicine—relieving suffering by revealing the mind—and explains how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs fundamentally from recreational drug use.

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