That Wellness Podcast with Natalie Deering: Internal Family Systems with a Twist

In this episode, I’m joined by IFS therapist, consultant, and author Max Littman, LCSW, for a deeply meaningful conversation about his groundbreaking new book: Internal Family Systems Therapy for Gay and Queer Men: A Companion for After Coming Out Max’s work centers the lived experiences of gay and queer men through an Internal Family Systems lens, offering a compassionate, culturally attuned resource for healing after the coming out process—when many parts, burdens, and relational dynamics can become activated in new ways. This episode is filled with tenderness, truth, and the powerful reminder that taking up space creates space—and that vulnerability can become an invitation for collective healing.   We Discuss: Why Max wrote a companion for AFTER coming out, rather than before The emotional and relational layers that can emerge in the years following coming out How cultural burdens within gay and queer communities can shape internal parts and protective strategies The importance of representation, visibility, and storytelling as a form of collective unburdening Max’s personal experience navigating identity, attachment, and healing after coming out The powerful role of media and relational narratives, including reflections on Heated Rivalry and the impact of seeing queer struggle and love portrayed honestly An IFS-informed practice "The Pool Party" for meeting and understanding different parts Max’s heartfelt message to gay and queer men seeking deeper connection, healing, and wholeness Max reminds us that healing doesn’t stop once someone comes out. In many ways, it’s only the beginning of a deeper internal journey—one that includes meeting the parts shaped by shame, longing, belonging, protection, and cultural expectation. This conversation offers a supportive and empowering path toward Self-leadership, authenticity, and relational healing.   About Max Littman: Max Littman, LCSW, is an IFS therapist, consultant, and writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His work focuses on attunement, attachment, cultural burdens, and relational and neurobiological understandings of trauma. He specializes in working with gay and queer men and provides mentorship to therapists in private practice. Max has served as a Program Assistant for IFS Level 1 and Somatic IFS Step 2 trainings. He is also the author of a widely read IFS blog exploring themes such as the weaponization of Self, the practice of attunement, and the importance of normalizing therapeutic missteps. His new book is the first IFS book to center gay and queer men: Internal Family Systems Therapy for Gay and Queer Men: A Companion for After Coming Out   Links & Resources: Max’s Website: https://maxlittman.com/ Order the Book: https://a.co/d/6WA6iIO   Final Message: If you are a gay or queer man navigating identity, relationships, belonging, or the inner world that unfolds after coming out—this episode and Max’s book offer a compassionate companion for the journey. And for therapists, allies, and loved ones who want to better understand and support the gay and queer experience, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of culturally attuned, representation-centered healing spaces.   _____________________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact  Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________   Donate to the podcast Here!    Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100!  Please email ndwellness.services@therapysecure.com for more information.  Thank you for the support!    *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*