Today on Neurodiverse Christian Couples, Dr. Stephanie Holmes is joined by guest co-host Jenilee Rachel, filling in for Dan, for a conversation with Kimberly June Miller, MTh, LMFT, co-author with Dr. Alison Cook of Boundaries for Your Soul. Together, they explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) from a distinctly Christian perspective. IFS gives us language for understanding the different “parts” of ourselves—the protective parts, wounded parts, critical voices, fears, and responses that can sometimes seem to compete for control. Kimberly discusses how this framework can be integrated with Christian faith, helping us approach those parts with curiosity and compassion rather than shame or condemnation while inviting the presence and leadership of God into the places within us that need healing. Boundaries for Your Soul describes this as learning to develop healthy internal boundaries so that overwhelming thoughts and emotions can be heard and understood without being allowed to take over our lives. Kimberly June Miller, MTh, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, speaker, retreat leader, and founder of Leading Wholeheartedly, a ministry devoted to helping Christian leaders cultivate healthy inner lives. Before becoming a therapist, Kimberly served as a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. She holds graduate degrees in theology and clinical psychology and is Certified and Level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy, with additional training in Imago Relationship Therapy, Gottman, and Prepare-Enrich. Her work specializes in the integration of psychology and spirituality and in helping people recognize that difficult emotions and internal conflicts do not have to be enemies—they can become places where God meets us and transformation occurs. Kimberly's books: Boundaries for the Soul Spiritual Wellness Bible Additional information from Kimberly Not all meaningful connection is human-to-human. On the IFS Talks podcast, Sarah Bergenfield reminds us that many autistic individuals experience deep connection—to animals, objects, places, or sensory rituals—not as a trauma response, but as a natural way to feel grounded and connected. For some on the spectrum, a dog, a blanket, a favorite tree, or even a familiar texture offers a steady, anchoring presence that helps them feel safe and settled. In IFS, we honor each part’s wisdom—and for some, connection with the other-than-human world is exactly what brings regulation, joy, and wholeheartedness.Dr. Stephanie adds that IFS has been researched as helpful for ASD/ND; IFS is helpful for all neurotypes! And if this conversation leaves you wanting to explore IFS more personally through the lens of neurodiversity or neurodiverse marriage, Jenilee Rachel offers coaching for neurodivergent individuals and couples, providing a space to explore your own “parts,” patterns, relationships, and spiritual growth with a coach who understands the neurodiverse experience. Learn more about Jenilee and her coaching at JenileeRachel.com.
