Life Architect blog

Michał is the founder of Life Architect and a Certified IFS Practitioner from Poland.  His work is dedicated to fostering transformative experiences, whether through his practice, the projects he leads, or the communities he supports.  He is the author of „Insight. Road to Mental Maturity” – a book about the journeys into our inner worlds. Over the past 17 years, he has published more than 400 articles on his Polish blog, Michalpasterski.pl, which attracts the attention of over one million readers annually. You can find an English version of this blog on Pasterski.com. For the past 17 years, he has led or organised more than 30 retreats all over the world. Through Life Architect, he has organised trainings for mental health professionals from all over the world.  His path with plant medicine began over five years ago. Over time, working with Amazonian master plants supported him in transforming some of the most challenging moments in his life and career into meaningful breakthroughs, shaping a more embodied and integrated way of living and leading.  After work, he loves being a father to his two small daughters, enjoys travelling (mainly to Southeast Asia), dancing and practising Qi-Gong.

Renowned speaker, author, and esteemed clinical psychologist, Dr. Arielle Schwartz has been widely recognized for her research and clinical advancements in trauma treatment, which have shaped the landscape of trauma recovery and elevated the standard of care all across therapeutic settings.   Dr. Schwartz promotes a strength-based, embodied approach to trauma recovery that emphasizes self-driven healing to facilitate post-traumatic growth. Drawing on the principles of EMDR, somatic psychology, mindfulness-based therapies, and relational psychotherapy, she developed Resilience Informed Therapy—an integrative model of care for facilitating recovery from childhood trauma, PTSD, complex-PTSD and Dissociation.   Dr. Schwartz has been teaching therapeutic yoga since 2008, and she is the author of Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery, a widely referenced guide to applied Polyvagal Theory for trauma recovery. She has also authored numerous books covering extensive research and guiding techniques in trauma treatment.

Gabriella is from Hungary, and her journey is rooted in a deep passion for holistic healing and transformation.  With a background in Cultural and Social Anthropology, she delved deep into the realms of consciousness and traditional healing systems, immersing herself in the study of spiritual healers in Brazil for her Master’s and PhD theses.  Her academic pursuits extended beyond research, as Gabriella shared her insights as a lecturer at the University of Vienna and Aarhus. Yet, her quest for holistic well-being and inner transformation led her to transition from academia to entrepreneurship. In 2016, she co-founded INUA, a wellness company specializing in holistic solutions for well-being.  Continuing to expand her vision, Gabriella established SoulHome, where she guides individuals back to their true Selves through a blend of IFS therapy, energy healing tools, shamanic rituals, and embodiment practices. In addition to her professional and family life, Gabriella finds joy in yoga, dance, travel adventures, and silence in the company of cats and books.

For nearly a decade, Rodrigo has worked as a lawyer specialising in Indigenous Rights, advocating for the protection and dignity of indigenous communities across Brazil. His commitment deepened through his initiation into the ancestral knowledge of Amazonian indigenous peoples, where he studied traditions and spiritual practices involving Sacred Plants. This experience enriched his cultural understanding and reinforced his dedication to advocating for indigenous rights and sustainable development. In addition to his legal work, Rodrigo serves as the Commander of the Santo Daime Church, Casa da Paz, in Ilhéus, Bahia, where he integrates his role as a spiritual leader with his advocacy efforts.

Mary Kruger, MS, LMFT, is a Marriage & Family Therapist, AAMFT Supervisor, and an IFS Lead Trainer. She founded Rimmon Pond Counseling, LLC, an IFS-based group practice located in the New Haven, Ct. area. She offers private therapy, consultations and workshops nationally and internationally through her newly established New Paths Counseling & Consulting. LLC.  Mary envisioned & created the IFS L2 Training for Addictions and Eating Disorders several years ago.  She is also a clinician for the CT Military Support Program.   She has been working in the field of addictions, eating disorders, trauma and personal growth with individuals, couples, families and groups for over thirty years.  Mary enjoys engaging with people; and sharing her experiences in fun and creative ways. She is particularly inspired and receives much joy from time spent with her family and friends, as well as three cats.

Tisha Shull is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor specializing in treating complex trauma, anxiety disorders and working with adults healing from past abuse and sexual trauma. She is a Level 3 trained IFS Therapist, and has been a Program Assistant for many IFS trainings internationally. She is the Co-founder of IFS Vermont, an organization dedicated to provide training, community and opportunities to share the IFS Model. Tisha is the Co-host of the popular podcast, IFS Talks, and has interviewed many leading minds in the field of psychology. She has created content and taught IFS trainings and workshops online and in-person. She is trained as a Cranial Sacral Therapist and Sivananda Vedanta Yoga Teacher and is pursuing training in Dance Movement Therapy. She loves carving woodblocks, looking at the stars, rock climbing and back-country snowboarding. She lives and works in Burlington, Vermont with her partner Alex, daughter Litza, and dog Zeke.

Michał has been dedicated to communication and mental health fields for the past 15 years, working with groups and individuals. Fully immersed in IFS for the past four years. As a psychologist and facilitator, he works with individuals in IFS-focused private practice and supports the community of Mental Health Professionals as a member of the Life Architect Team through writing, hosting, and coordinating trainings and workshops. He is the author of several hundred articles and recordings, especially interested in using stories and analogies to present ideas in fresh, unusual ways. In earlier work as a trainer and speaker, he has conducted communication trainings and lectures at organizations like Dell and Volkswagen, multiple Universities, and conferences like Polyglot Conference, TEDxPoznan, Toastmasters Leadership Institute, etc. After work, he enjoys playing percussion instruments and moving in nature.