Internal Family Systems
Introduction to Working with the Inner Parts of the Person
About this Training Using the Zoom Platform
This is a 20-hour introductory course in Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS is an evidence based therapy (for more details, please see https://www.foundationifs.org/news-articles/79-ifs-an-evidence-based-practice) Participants will be introduced to this extraordinary non-pathologizing model, and become familiar with its systemic, experiential, ego state therapy approach. Please be aware that discussion of Self in the context of this model is as in the capitalized “Self” and is a technical term within the IFS model, not a reference to self-work, but comparable to the adult nurturing ego state within the client.
The key concepts of this model: the Self, Exiled parts containing negative experiences, feelings and beliefs, and protective parts (Managers and Firefighters) which attempt to keep the exiles from reaching consciousness, overwhelming, and dominating our perspective, will be explored through experiential exercises, demonstrations, supervised skill development practice sessions, and lecture.
Participants will learn to identify these states within their own internal systems and how to use this model to guide clients through a natural healing process toward integration and wholeness.
Ample demonstration and supervised training in guiding the process with peers in client roles will be provided. Much attention will be given to facilitating the emergence of Self-presence by encouraging parts to Unblend, and learning the healing processes of Witnessing, Retrieval, and Unburdening of wounded and extreme parts.
The value of both therapist and client Self–presence and welcoming of all parts with acceptance and non-judgment will be emphasized as essential to the healing environment. Participants will become familiar with both Insight (client has Self-presence) and Direct Access (client is blended with a part) methods of processing.
There is no known commercial support nor conflict of interest for this program.
Previous exposure to the model would be very beneficial to anyone interested: this includes reading any of Richard Schwartz’s books on IFS, or Parts Work by Thomas Holmes. There will be a didactic overview presented in addition to the significant experiential component.
Please note: While the presenters are IFS certified and they are presenting on the authentic IFS model, the training is not affiliated with the IFS Institute and this workshop does not count toward IFS Level One Training or IFS Certification.
The program will be recorded, with the exception of breakout practices. Participants may have access to the recorded workshop for a period of 90 days.
This is a virtual Training and the dates are Sunday 03/20/2022 8:30 am-5:30 pm ET; Monday 03/21/2022 8:30 am-5:30 pm ET; Tuesday 03/22/2022 8:30 am-2:30 pm
Course Learning Objectives
Day 1:
1. Describe three key aspects of the Internal Family System Model of Psychotherapy (IFS); 1. The internal system of a person with Self and Parts,2. Three types of Parts called Managers, Firefighters and Exiles 3. protective function of Parts,
2. Identify two different ways to conduct psychotherapy through IFS processes called Insight and Direct Access.
3. Utilize under supervision the process of working with a practice client’s parts in a triad practice in order to increase tthe skill of the person playing the role of the therapist in welcoming and befriending the parts of the client.
4. Analyze the Steps of the 6 F’s (1. Finding, 2. Focus, 3.Fleshing out, 4. Feeling toward, 5. beFriending, 6. exploring Fears), in order to help clients name, explore and befriend their parts, unblend with parts so as to minister more effectively to parts, and to increase Self Presence in the system.
4. List at least three of their own parts that may at times interfere with the therapeutic process with their clients.
6. Explain both the phenomenon of blending with parts and how to facilitate unblending from a part with a client.
Day 2:
1. Compare how the various parts of a person’s system (managers, firefighters, exiles) develop into their roles and positive functions and the protective dynamics of the three part system and how parts take on and carry burdens.
2. Apply under supervision the Insight method in assisting a practice client in helping parts unblend from the Self and in assisting the practice client in gaining clarity about his or her parts and what the parts’ purposes are in the system.
3. Describe the use of insight and the use of the method Direct Access to assist clients in increasing Self Presence and part’s unblending processes.
4. identify at least two possible polarities in their own systems and how to work with and resolve inner turmoil.
5. Explain the differences in presentation of a client when the person speaks from a part versus when the person speaks for a part.
6. Discuss at least 2 different strategies that can be used to safely close sessions with clients.
Day 3:
1. Describe the steps of healing burdens held within parts which are 1.witnessing,
2. Do-Over, 3. Retrieval, 4, Unburdening, 5. Invitation and 6. Ecological check and integration.
2. Utilize with supervision at least two of the healing processes with a practice client in order to assist an increase in Self Presence and Self Energy in the system of the person.
3. Discuss the appropriate pace in the process of using the steps of healing and the importance of asking permission prior to enacting any healing strategies
4. identify at least one manager, one firefighter and one exiled part within him or herself that could potentially block progress in a therapy session with a client.
5. Assess and name characteristics that indicate oneself or another person has increased Self Presence from day one to today at day 3.
Continuing Education Hours
Continuing Education Credit (20) has been approved through NJ NASW for Social Workers in NJ and through CE-Go for Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors and Social Workers outside of NJ.
Persons with Disabilities and Accessibility
Meet the Instructors
Lois A. Ehrmann PhD, LPC, NCC IFS Level 1,2,3 Trained and Certified IFS Clinician
Lois Ehrmann is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a certified distance counselor who has been working in the mental health field for 30 years. Her specialty areas include trauma and attachment struggles in children, adolescents and adults. She has worked intensively with adoption and issues of pre-natal fetal alcohol exposure. In the last 10 years she has extensively studied the art of holistic healing in regard to trauma through the use of EMDR and the Internal Family Systems Model as well as other methodologies that incorporate the body, mind and spirit. She is a highly experienced speaker and presenter, having presented for many years on topics such as trauma and attachment, clinical supervision, and IFS.
In 2009 Lois founded an outpatient Trauma Center called CHOICES in central PA which continues to operate and heal many individuals and families through the use of EMDR, IFS, Narrative and Attachment and Family therapies. Lois has recently shifted from direct care of clients into an online practice of clinical supervision, consultation and training in the areas she has trained and worked in for many years. In the sunset of her career she looks forward to assisting other clinicians in continuing the work of trauma treatment and healing to the many individuals who need it.
Email: etherapywithlois@gmail.com
Website: www.etherapywithlois.com
Phone: 814 404-0286
Mary Green MA, LPC, IFS Level 1,2,3, Trained and Certified IFS Clinician
Mary has been working in the counseling field for 32 years. She has earned her Masters in Counseling Services in 1987 from University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, she launched her private practice in Central Pennsylvania, specializing in anxiety, depression, grief & loss, family relationship problems, stress, and anger management. Much of her work also centered on the treatment of trauma for both children and adults.
In 2010, Mary was introduced the the IFS (Internal Family Systems) Model and has completed IFS Level 3 Training, obtained IFS Certification, and has conducted IFS workshops for clinicians. IFS is a powerful model of transformation and provides open hearted healing. IFS is the focus and backbone of her therapeutic approach. Mary has relocated to Ontario, Canada in 2016. Since that time, her goal has been to support the development of an IFS community and a culture of Self-leadership. Currently, she maintains an online counseling / consultation / coaching practice.
Email: marychrisgreen06@gmail.com
Website: https://www.marycgreencounseling.com/
The Rest of Our Team
Michael Forlenza, PhD, MPH, PC
Rebecca M. DeRaud, DSW, LMSW, CST
Mary Barzyk
Marysia Pasterska
Karen Hansel MSW, LCSW
Kevin L Ogle
Ellen Black
Elizabeth Venart, M.Ed., NCC, LPC
Karen Husband
Elizabeth Wade
Terry Chapman LICSW
Costs
$1250.00
Includes full technical support, handouts, and CE credits.
Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis and remains open until 30 people sign up (including payment in full).
Training is Limited to 30 Participants So register Early!!!
To Register
Go to
education@empowerhealthcenter.net or call 732-666-9898and sign up!
You can also see the schedule of the training on the above site.
Application Deadline
ends when 30 people are fully registered!
Notification of Acceptance
Applicants will be notified, via email, of acceptance when registration is complete and payment is received.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Cancellations after 3/15/2022 are non-refundable.