This mini Internal Family Systems course offers a beginner’s look at the protective roles of Manager and Firefighter sub personality parts within the IFS model. Participants will delve into the development and functions of these protector parts, understanding how they operate with a positive agenda to shield vulnerable and emotionally overwhelming younger parts of the psyche (hint: there are No Bad Parts!). Through a combination of theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and real-life client anecdotes, attendees will learn to identify and differentiate between Manager and Firefighter parts plus comprehend their motivations and fears. Attendees will also learn to apply basic interview techniques to engage these protectors effectively, as shown in a live facilitator demonstration with a participant volunteer (is it you?!). By the end of the course, clinicians will be equipped with foundational skills to recognize and understand clients’ protective parts, enhancing their therapeutic practice and highlighting next steps to become IFS-informed.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Differentiate between Manager and Firefighter protector parts within the Internal
- Family Systems (IFS) model
- Explain the development of protector parts
- Apply basic techniques to engage and build relationships with Manager and Firefighter parts
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Differentiate between Manager and Firefighter protector parts within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model
- Identify their distinct characteristics
- Examine job functions
- Proactivity vs reactivity
Objective #2: Explain the development of protector parts
- Trauma experiences
- Internal motivations
- Protector fears
Objective #3: Apply basic techniques to engage and build relationships with Manager and Firefighter parts.
- Interview questions
- Direct Access
- Self-Energy
Summary/Q&A
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: Sarah Czopek, MS, LCPC
Recording Date: October 30, 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: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. 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