The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model is a rapidly emerging model of therapy due to the remarkable results it is showing with clients and the ease it brings to practitioners. Advocated by leaders in the fields of trauma, addiction, and mental health in general, this non-pathologizing, evidence-based modality offers practitioners the ability to facilitate a client’s own healing from distress, relieving the pressure on the practitioner and countering burnout and/or vicarious traumatization.

IFS is rooted in the understanding that the personality is multiple and operates as a system of parts with different roles, and that each individual also has a compassionate and curious “Self” (highest self/best self) that can and should lead the system. This understanding applies as much to mental health professionals as it does to clients.

Through a variety of teaching modalities, including experiential exercises and didactic teaching, participants in the day will have the opportunity to experience their own parts as well as understand how the IFS model may be applied in their work. There will be a live demonstration of an IFS session and ongoing Q&A throughout the day.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Understand how multiplicity is the basis for the personality system
• Recognize their own “parts” that inform their work with vulnerable populations
• Gain clarity on how Self-led healing occurs and the role of the therapist in trusting and facilitating the internal work of the client’s system
• Appreciate how both end of life care as well as preparation for and integration of psychedelic sessions may be enhanced through using the IFS model