Pre-weekend 1 recording (1h home study) | IFS Foundations Overview

In this introductory pre-recorded lecture, participants will learn the history of the IFS model and the basic assumptions and goals of the IFS framework. At the end of this recorded lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the history of IFS and the concept of multiplicity within therapy and healing modalities.

2. Explain the basic assumptions and goals of the IFS framework.

Session 1 | Introduction to IFS

In this opening session, participants will begin to build a container together to foster a brave and collaborative learning environment, discuss the cultural underpinnings of the IFS model, introduce the concept of Self-leadership, and introduce the flow of the model. At the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. List 3 community/group norms toward the establishment of trust and safety using IFS language.

2. Identify and describe the 8 qualities of Self-leadership (curiosity, calmness, compassion, confidence, courage, clarity, creativity, connectedness).

3. Introduce the concept of unblending and the difference between speaking for, rather than from, parts.

4. Describe the overall flow of the IFS model.

Session 2 | Getting Started: The Basics of IFS

This session will offer participants the opportunity to continue learning about the overall flow of the IFS model, how to differentiate between parts and Self, the core skill of unblending, and an introduction to the 6 F’s in working with protectors. Participants will also be introduced to direct access. A combination of lecture, experiential exercises, and small group practice sessions will be used. At the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the 6 F’s (find, focus, flesh out, feel toward, befriend, fears) in working with the protective system.

2. Summarize and provide examples of applying the 6 F’s.

3. Explain how to orient the client to the IFS model so that the approach can be utilized in session.

4. Demonstrate the skill of speaking for parts rather than from parts.

5. Differentiate between “in-sight” and “direct access” approaches to using IFS and decision-making regarding each option.

6. Introduce techniques for utilizing the method of direct access. 

Pre-weekend 2 recording: (1h home study) | Review of the 6 F’s + Introduction to Protector Parts

This pre-recorded lecture reviews the 6 F’s and introduces two kinds of protector parts: managers and firefighters. At the end of this recorded lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Review the 6 F’s (find, focus, flesh out, feel toward, befriend, fears) in working with the protective system.

2. Describe the role of manager parts.

3. Describe the role of firefighter parts.

Session 3 | Working With Protectors and Introduction to Exiles

This session is focused on reviewing the relationship between different parts: protectors (managers and firefighters) and exiles. We will then focus on addressing protector fears, and clarifying the nature of different parts through the use of demos and experiential exercises. At the end of this recorded lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the relationship between protectors and exiles.

2. Identify 3 common protector fears.

3. Demonstrate and apply common ways of responding to protector fears.

4. Define at least 2 qualities of exile parts and explain their role in the system.

5. Practice the skill of integrating 6 F’s within an IFS session.

Session 4 | Intro to Healing Steps and Unburdening

Participants will learn about the healing steps to unburden exiles, IFS applications for queer and trans clients, and building continuity between sessions. At the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Explain and demonstrate the 8 healing steps of unburdening exiles.

2. Describe the post-unburdening skills of Invitation and Integration for the purpose of achieving harmony and balance in the client’s internal system.

3. Apply the skill of integrating 6 F’s and healing steps within an IFS session.

4. Identify 2 challenges for ending “incomplete” sessions and explain how these can be addressed.

5. Practice the skill of integrating 6 F’s and healing steps within an IFS session.

Pre-weekend 3 recording: (1h home study) | Polarizations and Therapist Parts

This pre-recorded lecture introduces polarizations, how to recognize them, and some basic techniques for how to work with them. At the end of this recorded lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the concept of polarizations and explain their function in the internal system.

2. Identify 2 strategies for working with polarizations.

3. Identify the 5 qualities of IFS therapists (5 P’s) and explain how they relate to concepts of transference and countertransference.

Session 5 | Integrating Healing Steps

Participants will continue to learn about the healing steps, how to manage the flow of the session within the IFS model, and building continuity between sessions. Participants will also be introduced to the concept of legacy burdens. At the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Review the 8 healing steps.

2. Discuss 2 common challenges that may arise in applying the healing steps.

3. Learn 2 strategies for resuming the flow of the model at a later session.

4. Define personal, legacy, and cultural burdens and describe how they are held in the system.

5. Name two indicators of legacy burdens.

Session 6 | Integration of IFS Practices

This session will focus on reviewing the application of the flow of the model, IFS applications for queer and trans clients, and reviewing polarizations and direct access. At the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Describe 2 ways in which the IFS framework allows for greater inclusion of diverse genders and sexualities, including trans and queer experience and related experiences of marginalization or othering.

2. Practice the skill of integrating 6 F’s and healing steps within an IFS session.

3. Discuss 2 common challenges in starting to integrate IFS into clinical practice and strategies to address them. 

4. Briefly review polarizations and direct access.

5. Analyze next steps for learning and applying IFS.