An Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which aims to lead those in treatment toward the Self, an inner state of clarity and compassion, was developed by Richard Schwartz, PhD, over the course of 30 years. During this time, he focused on listening to the people he treated in therapy, rather than letting trained assumptions guide him. He discovered it was possible for those in therapy to calm troubling internal voices, anxious thoughts, distractions, and negative feelings of vulnerability, inadequacy, and overwhelm, once they had reached the Self. When the people he treated addressed those parts of the psyche patiently and respectfully, the parts responded, and transformation was achieved. Once the parts are witnessed and accepted, Schwartz found, they forsake internal battles and instead take on valuable internal roles. 

Family systems principles and techniques are now widely applied to inner systems and used internationally to treat trauma and severe diagnoses. In addition, these principles and techniques are often used in business consulting, meditation practice, and other non-clinical applications. Through IFS, therapists may be able to find and heal parts of themselves, which can lead to a more enjoyable, effective, and effortless practice. People in therapy can often achieve lasting changes in behavior and become better able to relate to people, once they are able to heal and reorient their "inner families" in the therapy environment, which is one of genuine acceptance. IFS is a gentle healing delivery system, but it is also powerful and can trust and empower the Self of those in therapy. 

In this workshop, the history, development, basic principles, techniques, and goals of IFS will be discussed and illustrated with experiential exercises and videos. Participants in this practical workshop will explore the benefits of IFS therapy and learn new perspectives and methods that can be applied in treatment. 

This introductory, instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Discuss basic assumptions of IFS in regard to the concept of "Self" and the non-pathological multiplicity of mind.
2. Explain the concept of releasing uncomfortable feelings and beliefs to allow harmony and balance in the inner system.
3. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the three categories of sub-personalities most often seen in therapy—manager parts, firefighter parts, and exiled parts.
4. Summarize the dynamics of the three-group system. 
5. Describe the IFS concept of SELF, discussing and identifying its qualities—curiosity, compassion, confidence, courage, clarity, creativity, connectedness, calmness— its role, and its effectiveness as a leader in the system. 
6. Discuss the therapeutic relationship as it applies to the IFS therapist.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference or would like more information, please contact us here.

Event Reviews from Members

Always wonderful learning from someone so influential in the field! - Lisa King Smith, EdS, LPC

Richard Schwartz really paced things beautifully. I also appreciated his openness about how he developed the model and his early mistakes. - Cory Fehlberg, LMFT

Excellent presentation! So helpful to so many people! - Denise Zajac, MS, LMFT

I have done parts work with many clients. Breaking it down and being so specific with the protectors was helpful information. I can see where this will avoid the backlash that often happens after opening up a vulnerable part. - Elaine Willey, MA, LMHC

Thank you! Watching an approach in action teaches us much. - Catherine Gruener, LCPC, NCC

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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