Part II of this series takes the three-hour format from understanding an IFS system to working with it gently. Picking up where Part I ended, we study trailheads, the daily doorways into parts work, and the 6Fs, a simple and adaptable framework for knowing a part better.
You will practice spotting a trailhead, staying curious as you follow it, and structuring a short conversation with a protector based on the 6Fs, always inside trauma-informed limits of your clinical scope. Think small, ethical, practical steps: slow down, listen differently and fold IFS ideas into the work you already do.
Prerequisite: Part I of Introduction to IFS, taught 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: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. 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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