Self-Compassion, Being Enough and Our Common Humanity

In this deeply moving and expansive conversation, David sits down with Soulla Demetriou, author, coach, and founder of Soulshine Retreats, to explore the heart of self-compassion and what it means to truly feel “enough.”

Soulla shares how her work integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, mindfulness, and ancient wisdom traditions to help people reconnect with their inner world. At the center of her approach is a powerful idea: that the body holds deep wisdom, and that healing begins when we learn to listen.

Together, David and Soulla explore the natural alignment between IFS and somatic practices, including yoga, and how both invite us into a more compassionate relationship with ourselves. They reflect on how safety, presence, and awareness open the door to new ways of responding to our inner experiences, rather than reacting from old patterns.

Soulla also shares vulnerably about her own journey with complex trauma and how it shaped her path toward this work. Her upcoming book, You Have Always Been Enough, was born from a core question many of us carry: Am I enough?

This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful path forward, highlighting how healing is not about fixing ourselves, but about building a compassionate relationship with the parts of us that have long felt unseen.

Key Themes

• Self-compassion is a foundation of healing
• There can be a natural integration between IFS and somatic practices
• The body as a source of wisdom and awareness
• The space between stimulus and response is where our freedom is
• Reparenting and building internal safety help us set boundaries
• “Not being enough” is a universal wound
• Healing as both personal and relational

About Soulla Demetriou

Soulla Demetriou is an author, transformation and somatic coach, and founder of Soulshine Retreats. With over 15 years of experience facilitating transformational work, she integrates Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, somatic practices, and ancient wisdom traditions to support deep healing and self-connection.

Her work centers on self-compassion and the belief that we are inherently worthy and whole. Drawing from her own lived experience, including complex trauma and neurodivergence, Soulla offers a deeply embodied and relational approach to healing.

Her upcoming book, You Have Always Been Enough: An Inner Guide to Self-Love and Inner Freedom, releases April 9, 2026.

Resources Mentioned

• Soulla’s Website: www.withsoulla.com
• Book: You Have Always Been Enough
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/withsoulla

Pre-order links:

• Kindle (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Have-Always-Been-Enough-ebook/dp/B0FD94DV6W
• International: https://www.waterstones.com/book/you-have-always-been-enough/soulla-demetriou/9780008403577
• US (Sept 2026): https://www.amazon.com/You-Have-Always-Been-Enough/dp/0008403570

Bonus: Pre-orders before April 23 include access to a complimentary one-day Self-Compassion Retreat (April 24)

The Empowered Through Compassion podcast explores trauma healing at the crossroads of Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. Through meaningful conversations with leading voices in the field, David and Heather create a space for reflection, learning, and connection, helping therapists and humans alike deepen their understanding of healing, relationship, and compassion.