In this training, we will learn about Internal Family Systems, a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. This modality believes that we all have various ‘parts’ of us that makeup who we are- and often these parts of younger versions of ourselves. Participants will learn an overview of the model that teaches how to identify, connect to, and offer healing to these parts. This training will include experiential learning and how to integrate inner-child work into sessions, while always maintaining a trauma-informed and compassionate approach.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define and describe the foundations of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
- Discuss the different types of parts and their relationships to each other and self.
- Identify how to utilize IFS for inner-child and trauma work.
- Learn how to implement IFS interventions with clients
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations of Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Introduce the origin and development of IFS by Dr. Richard Schwartz
- Describe the mind as naturally made up of multiple subpersonalities or parts
- Emphasize that all parts have positive intentions, even if their methods are extreme
- Highlight the goal of IFS as internal harmony and self-leadership
- Present research supporting the effectiveness of IFS in treating trauma, depression, and chronic illness
Objective #2: Understanding Parts and the Self
- Define parts as internal subpersonalities with unique roles, ages, and emotional needs
- Distinguish between Exiles, Managers, and Firefighters
- Define the Self as the core of the person, embodying the Eight Cs: calm, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, creativity, courage, connectedness
- Explore the relationships between parts and the Self
- Use parts mapping activities to identify inner roles
Objective #3: IFS and Inner Child/Trauma Work
- Explain how parts often remain stuck at the developmental stage when trauma occurred
- Encourage building safety and trust with child parts using compassion from the Self
- Practice the unburdening process, allowing parts to release pain, roles, and beliefs
- Empower the Self to provide what was missing at the time of trauma
- Integrate healed parts into the internal system with new roles and capacities
Objective #4: IFS Interventions in Clinical Practice
- Use tracking and reflection to identify different parts in session dialogue
- Introduce the concept of blending and unblending with parts
- Apply the metaphor of the internal conference table to orient clients to their internal world
- Emphasize client consent and pacing in all trauma work
- Facilitate safe dialogue between Self and parts using unblending statements
Objective #5: The 6 Fs Process for Working With Parts
- Find: locate the part in or around the body
- Focus: stay with it and explore its presence
- Flesh Out: ask questions to learn its purpose, feelings, and beliefs
- Feel Towards: observe emotional response to the part from the Self
- BeFriend: extend compassion and curiosity to build relationship
- Fear: uncover the protective intention behind the part’s actions
Objective #6: The Unburdening Process
- Develop a Self-to-part trusting relationship over time
- Witness: listen to the part’s story and acknowledge its pain
- Retrieval and Do-Over: guide the Self to join the part in the past and offer a new experience
- Unburdening: help the part release what it’s been carrying using symbolic or imagined methods
- Invitation: invite in positive qualities that were lost during trauma
- Integration: support the part’s new role within the internal system and check in with other parts
Objective #7: Therapist Self-Energy and Presence
- Model Self-energy using the 5 Ps: patience, perspective, presence, playfulness, persistence
- Maintain internal regulation to support client safety and connection
- Practice IFS-informed mindfulness and meditative presence as preparation for session work
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Ashley Esry, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Recording Date: October 26, 2024
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 2hrs 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