“Leading from Within: IFS-Informed Supervision” is a 1.5-hour, highly interactive training designed for supervisors and supervising therapists who want to weave the wisdom of Internal Family Systems (IFS) into their supervision relationships. Beginning with a brief, accessible overview of IFS basics as they apply specifically to supervision, participants will learn how to recognize and work with their own parts, their supervisees’ parts, and the parts that arise in discussion of client work—without turning supervision into a therapy session. We’ll explore common supervision dilemmas (imposter syndrome, reactivity to client stories, frustration with “stuck” cases, boundary wobbles, etc) through a parts-based lens, emphasizing curiosity, compassion, and clarity rather than criticism or pressure to perform.
Blending IFS concepts with practical supervision tools, this training offers concrete structures that can be immediately implemented, such as parts check-ins, using Self energy to navigate power dynamics, and helping supervisees differentiate between their own parts and their clients’. Through guided reflection, brief demos, and small-group discussion, participants will practice language and frameworks they can take directly into individual or group supervision. Infused with warmth, playfulness, and a deep respect for the complexity of supervision, this workshop supports supervisors in creating safer, more spacious supervision containers that foster clinical growth, ethical decision-making, and sustainable practice—for both supervisee and supervisor.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe core IFS concepts relevant to supervision
- Identify common “parts” and activation patterns in supervision relationships
- Apply a simple IFS-informed framework in supervision conversations
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Describe core IFS concepts relevant to supervision
- Qualities of Self-energy in the supervisory role
- Types of parts (managers, firefighters, exiles) and how they show up in supervision
- Parallel process between client, supervisee, and supervisor
Objective #2: Identify common “parts” and activation patterns in supervision relationships
- Parts commonly activated in supervisors (e.g., Fixer, Risk Manager, Imposter)
- Parts commonly activated in supervisees (e.g., Good Student, Fearful Newbie, Overachiever)
- Ways activation impacts supervision dynamics, power, and psychological safety
Objective #3: Apply a simple IFS-informed framework in supervision conversations
- Using brief parts check-ins and normalizing language in supervision
- Supporting supervisees to differentiate their own parts from their clients’ parts
- Inviting more Self energy (curiosity, compassion, calm) to guide supervision decisions and next steps
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Sarah Czopek, LCPC
Recording Date: February 3, 2025
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 1.5hrs General 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