pixel
Being Well Podcast: How Real Change Happens with Elizabeth Ferreira
July 7, 2025

In this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Forrest is joined by associate therapist Elizabeth Ferreira to discuss parts work, psychological defenses, and how real change happens. They talk about the inner child work Forrest recently did during an episode with renowned therapist Terry Real, and how that led to meaningful changes in their relationship. Elizabeth and Forrest unpack the therapeutic process Terry led Forrest through, and discuss clinical technique, why small shifts can lead to big changes, the challenges of working with developmentally young material, and why insight alone is rarely enough.

The episode with Terry we refer to throughout this conversation is titled “Terry Real: Relationships, Trauma, and Inner Child Work.”

Key Topics

  • 0:00: Introduction
  • 2:40: Elizabeth’s reaction to Forrest’s work with Terry
  • 5:05: Avoidance vs. anxiety
  • 7:21: Unpacking Terry Real’s therapeutic approach
  • 14:37: Avoiding through “fixing”
  • 20:54: What’s changed since then?
  • 31:00: Elizabeth’s experience with inner child work
  • 42:32: How does real change happen?
  • 51:54: “You can’t make your partner change.”
  • 55:15: Recap

Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.

Share this episode on:

Support the Podcast

Special Offers from Our Sponsors

SQUARESPACE

Finally get that project off the ground with Squarespace! Head to squarespace.com/beingwell for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use coupon code BEINGWELL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

CALM

Want to sleep better? Try the Calm app! 

Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.

Join Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson every week on the Being Well Podcast for lively and thought-provoking conversation and practical tips for being happier, building inner strengths, and getting the most out of life.

Change Your Mind - Best Mindset Courses

Sign Up by June 27 to Save 30%!

Join Rick for a 6-week online course on having more thoughts that help and fewer that hurt. Starts This Week!

Just One Minute - Best Well-Being Courses

Build a Happier, Healthier Mind in Just a Minute or Two a Day

57 Practical, Positive Ways to Feel Better Now

Get Rick’s Free Weekly Newsletter

Get a weekly practice and the latest Being Well Podcast delivered right to your inbox.

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Ask Rick and Forrest a Question!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Episodes