The IFS model has gained acclaim as a most powerful and comprehensive approach that changes the entire psychotherapy landscape. IFS views multiplicity of mind as our natural state and our “parts” as sub personalities that may be healed and transformed by bringing the Self into its rightful role as leader of the internal system. The Self, a core of valuable leadership qualities, is our true nature–compassionate and loving.

We rarely experience this Self because it is obscured by Self-protective psychological mechanisms, or lost in the fear, pain, and shame of past trauma. When it is felt and experienced, the calmness, creativity and compassion that it brings creates great clinical progress. IFS is a flexible model that provides abundant opportunities for application with many populations including most notably those with a significant trauma history.

Developed over the past four decades by psychologist Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS provides an effective model for conceptualizing distress, non-pathologizing symptoms and empowering clients to better understand themselves and live healthy lives. This model is a powerful tool that will foster deep insight and lasting changes for clients.Participants will learn about self-awareness to identify some of their own parts as well as helping clients identify theirs. Challenges and solutions in working with the IFS model will be shared.

Participants will gain foundational basic knowledge of the IFS model as we as practical ways to incorporate IFS concepts into the therapy room. This primer is sure to whet your appetite for further IFS self-study as well as professional application. Note: This course will provide clinicians with a solid grounding in the theory and application of IFS, but we are not affiliated with and do not offer IFS Institute certification credits.