This interactive workshop will provide mental health professionals with a beginning understanding of the Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. IFS views the mind as a system of parts, often including younger, wounded versions of ourselves that hold trauma, unmet needs, and protective mechanisms. Participants will learn how to integrate Internal Family Systems into treatment, with a special focus on working with clients experiencing complex or acute trauma. This training will emphasize trauma-informed, compassionate, and strengths-based interventions, offering both theoretical foundations and experiential exercises. Participants will leave with practical tools to help clients foster self compassion, reduce internal conflict, and build emotional resilience.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the basic concepts of Internal Family Systems and how the mind is viewed as a system of “parts.”
- Explain how IFS can be applied when working with clients who have complex or acute trauma.
- Identify trauma-informed and strengths-based IFS strategies that support self- compassion and reduce internal conflict.
- Apply introductory IFS tools to help clients increase emotional resilience and improve trauma symptoms
Syllabus:
Introduction
- This course provides an introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) and its application in trauma treatment. Participants will explore the foundational principles of IFS, including the concept of the mind as a system of parts, and examine how this framework supports trauma-informed and strengths-based clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on practical integration of IFS strategies into therapy sessions with clients experiencing complex or acute trauma.
Objective #1: Foundations of Internal Family Systems
- Participants will review the origins of IFS and its connection to General Systems Theory. The course explores the core assumption that the mind is made up of interconnected parts that function within a larger internal system. Emphasis is placed on understanding how parts interact and influence one another.
Objective #2: Understanding Parts and the Internal System
- Participants will examine how IFS conceptualizes the mind as a system of parts, each with a role and purpose. The course introduces the functions of different parts within the internal system and how these roles develop, particularly in response to trauma.
Objective #3: IFS and Trauma
- This section focuses on how trauma impacts the internal system. Participants will explore how protective parts develop in response to complex and acute trauma and how IFS provides a non-pathologizing, strengths-based framework for working with trauma survivors.
Objective #4: Trauma-Informed and Strengths-Based IFS Strategies
- Participants will identify practical, trauma-informed IFS strategies to support client healing. The course highlights methods for safely engaging parts, increasing internal awareness, and fostering regulation within sessions.
Objective #5: Integrating IFS into Clinical Practice
- Participants will learn introductory tools for integrating IFS into therapy sessions. This section provides guidance on how to begin working with parts in a structured, ethical, and supportive manner.
Summary
- The course concludes with a review of core IFS concepts, trauma applications, and practical strategies for implementation in clinical settings. Participants will leave with foundational knowledge and tools to begin incorporating IFS into their trauma 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, LCSW, LCAS
Recording Date: January 23, 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 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