In this follow-up three-hour training, we move from “What is an IFS system?” to “How do I gently work with it?” Building on Part I, we’ll explore trailheads—the everyday entry points into parts work—and the 6Fs, a simple, flexible framework for getting to know a part more deeply.
Participants will learn how to notice a trailhead, follow it with curiosity, and structure a brief IFS-informed conversation with a protector using the 6Fs—all while staying within trauma-informed boundaries of clinical scope. This training is about taking small, ethical, and practical steps: slowing down, listening differently, and integrating IFS concepts into the work you’re already doing.
Prerequisite: Introduction to IFS Part I by Sarah Czopek
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Use trailheads as safe and practical entry points into parts work.
- Apply the 6Fs framework to structure conversations with parts.
- Integrate an IFS-informed stance into existing clinical work while staying within scope and safety.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Use trailheads as safe and practical entry points into parts work.
- Define trailheads and identify common types (e.g., behaviors, emotions, body sensations, beliefs, repeated interaction patterns).
- Listen for trailheads in client language and notice trailheads emerging in their own reactions during sessions.
- Choose appropriate trailheads that are clinically manageable, avoiding highly overwhelming material in early IFS-informed work
Objective #2: Apply the 6Fs framework to structure conversations with parts
- Name and describe each of the 6Fs (Find, Focus, Flesh out, Feel toward, Befriend, Fears) and understand the purpose of each step.
- Formulate simple, clinically usable prompts for each “F” to guide clients in getting to know a protector part with more curiosity and respect.
- Recognize when the process is naturally moving toward deeper exile material and intentionally pause or contain instead of proceeding to unburdening.
Objective #3: Recognize when the process is naturally moving toward deeper exile material and intentionally pause or contain instead of proceeding to unburdening.
- Combine trailheads and the 6Fs with current modalities (e.g., CBT, ACT, EMDR, psychodynamic work) in a way that feels congruent and manageable.
- Notice and name their own parts that show up in sessions (e.g., the fixer, the performer, the impatient part) and return to a more Self-led stance.
- Articulate clear limits of their IFS-informed practice—knowing when to stay with protector work, when to slow down, and when to refer for more specialized IFS treatment.
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Sarah Czopek, LCPC
Recording Date: June 5th, 2026
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com