Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mendy Mcnulty. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mendy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
A few years ago, I found myself stuck. I was a special education teacher and a pastor’s wife, balancing countless responsibilities yet feeling weighed down by anxiety and stagnation. At 100 pounds overweight, I carried more than just physical weight—I was burdened emotionally, too. Despite years of therapy and self-help, I still felt like I was spinning my wheels.
Then, I discovered psychedelic-assisted therapy. It was unconventional and came with stigma, but something about it intrigued me. Taking this step meant confronting my own fears, questioning deeply ingrained beliefs, and risking judgment from my community. With research and the support of trusted professionals, I decided to take the leap.
The experience was transformative. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS), I integrated what I learned, building a relationship with parts of myself I had long ignored. Over time, I let go of fear and self-doubt, not just reclaiming my physical health but also discovering a deeper sense of self-leadership and purpose.
This risk didn’t just change my life—it shaped my career. Today, I guide others who feel stuck, helping them uncover their potential for growth and healing. I learned that the greatest risks often lead to the most profound transformations.
Mendy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Mendy McNulty, and I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS) and psychedelic integration coach with a passion for helping people who feel stuck find clarity, healing, and self-leadership. My journey into this field was deeply personal. For years, I was a special education teacher and a pastor’s wife, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected from myself. Despite years of therapy, I wasn’t seeing progress, and I started to wonder if transformation was even possible for me.
Everything changed when I discovered psychedelic-assisted therapy and the IFS framework. These tools helped me confront parts of myself I had been ignoring, and in doing so, I experienced profound growth. The process not only transformed my physical and emotional health but also led me to a new purpose: helping others who feel stuck as I once did.
What I Offer
Through my coaching practice, Self Led Integration, I offer one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online membership communities focused on integrating IFS and psychedelic experiences. I also provide resources like guided meditations and post-journey integration guides to help clients navigate the ongoing work of self-healing.
My work is designed for people who have been in therapy for years but haven’t seen the progress they’re hoping for. Many of my clients are dealing with patterns of avoidance, pretending things are fine while ignoring physical and emotional discomfort. Whether they’ve experienced psychedelics or are simply curious about alternative approaches to healing, I help them uncover what’s holding them back and empower them to lead their lives with clarity and purpose.
What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work unique is the blend of deeply personal experience and professional expertise I bring to my practice. Having walked this journey myself, I understand how daunting it can feel to confront old patterns and take a leap into the unknown. My approach is warm, relational, and practical, focusing on meeting each person where they are and guiding them step by step toward their goals.
I’m also deeply committed to destigmatizing psychedelics and providing a safe, supportive space for those exploring their potential in healing. Through education and compassionate coaching, I help clients bridge the gap between their transformative experiences and the integration work needed to sustain lasting change.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the lives I’ve seen transformed through this work. Watching clients discover parts of themselves they’ve buried, reconnect with their purpose, and create lives they’re excited to live is the most rewarding part of what I do.
What I Want You to Know
At Self Led Integration, my focus is on helping you move from feeling stuck to leading a life of self-discovery, connection, and growth. Whether you’ve been in therapy for years or are just beginning to explore alternative paths to healing, my goal is to empower you with tools, insights, and guidance to create the change you’ve been searching for.
Your healing matters. And it starts with a single step inward.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
For much of my life, I operated under the belief that my worth was tied to how well I held everything together. Whether as a special education teacher or a pastor’s wife, I felt an immense pressure to appear strong, capable, and in control, even when I was struggling inside. Admitting that I needed help or that I was overwhelmed felt like failure, and so I pushed myself to meet impossible standards.
That belief began to shift when I was introduced to Internal Family Systems (IFS) and psychedelic-assisted therapy. These tools taught me to connect with and listen to the parts of myself I had ignored for so long—the scared, tired, and overwhelmed parts. Instead of dismissing or judging them, I began to approach them with curiosity and compassion. Slowly, I realized that perfection wasn’t necessary for growth or connection.
Unlearning the need to have it all figured out was liberating. It allowed me to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. This shift not only transformed my personal life but also helped me create a safe and supportive space for my clients. I now encourage others to let go of their perfectionism and meet themselves with the same compassion and curiosity that helped me heal.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is this: We don’t need to be “perfect” to be worthy of care, connection, or progress. True growth happens when we give ourselves permission to be exactly where we are and trust the process of healing.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
While training and knowledge are essential, I believe the most critical factors for succeeding in this field are self-awareness, authenticity, and a commitment to ongoing personal growth.
Working in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and psychedelic integration isn’t just about understanding frameworks or techniques—it’s about embodying the work yourself. Clients can sense when you’re walking the same path you’re guiding them on. Doing my own inner work, continuously exploring and integrating my own parts, has been foundational. It allows me to hold space for others with empathy, clarity, and non-judgment.
Another vital element is authenticity. Clients are drawn to coaches who are real and relatable, not those who pretend to have all the answers. In my experience, being honest about my own journey—the struggles I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned—helps build trust and connection. It shows that healing is a process, not a destination, and that we’re in this work together.
Lastly, I think it’s crucial to cultivate curiosity and humility. Every client’s story is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Remaining curious and open to learning from each individual not only helps clients feel seen and heard but also deepens my own understanding of the work.
Success in this field comes from a balance of knowledge, lived experience, and an open heart. It’s about creating a safe space where clients feel empowered to explore their inner worlds and take steps toward transformation. That kind of trust and connection goes beyond training—it’s about showing up as your whole, authentic self.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://selfled-integration.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfledintegration/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfledintegration
Image Credits
Joe McNulty