2024 Trauma Summit

Nov. 12-14, 2024 - In-Person

Blue box text: https://ifs-institute.ce-go.com/an-ifs-perspective-examining-trauma-through-a-diverse-lens with headshots of Dick Schwartz and other presenters

2024 IFSI Annual Conference

October 24-25, 2024 - Virtual

Network circle, pastel colored squares that expand into a larger circle. Blue rectangle text: 2024 IFSI Annual Conference, October 24-25, 2024 IFS in Evolution: Broadening Applications of the IFS Model

Internal Family Systems Workbook

Cover of The Internal Family Systems Workbook featured next to a headshot of Dick Schwartz

On-demand Learning Programs

Advanced courses to continue your IFS journey

Image of Dick Schwartz with language that reads IFS learning Hub - on-demand learning including heads shots of additional IFS Trainers

A Six-week Online Course

Self paced learning for your personal growth

Orange, purple and teal colors surround headshots of Gabor Mate, and Richard Schwartz with text that reach Embracing All of you - Compassionate Inquire meets Internal Family Systems

Now Available

Introduction to Internal Family Systems - 2nd Edition

Cover of Internal Family Systems 2nd Edition

No Bad Parts

Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model

No Bad Parts cover

What is Internal Family Systems?

Transformative psychotherapy… and empowering paradigm.

IFS is a transformative tool that conceives of every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts led by a core Self. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Just like members of a family, inner parts are forced from their valuable states into extreme roles within us. Self is in everyone. It can’t be damaged. It knows how to heal. 

IFS is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts. IFS creates inner and outer connectedness by helping people first access their Self and, from that core, come to understand and heal their parts.  

But IFS is much more than a non-pathologizing evidence-based psychotherapy to be used in a clinical setting. It is also a way of understanding personal and intimate relationships and stepping into life with the 8 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness. Professionals from many different backgrounds such as, but not limited to, body workers, legal mediation, school administration, life coaches, and religious leaders may utilize IFS to inform and guide their work. Our growing list of educational programs aims to serve not only therapists but the wider public and other professions.  

The mission of IFS Institute is to bring more Self leadership to the world. 

Video

An Overview of IFS

Training

Professional IFS 
Training and Certification

IFS Institute offers three progressive levels of professional training for those wishing to become IFS therapists and practitioners. An IFS Level 1 Training is your gateway to truly understanding and embodying the IFS model, both in your own life and in your work with others.

IFS Certified Therapists and IFS Certified Practitioners carry a distinguished mark demonstrating competency and experience of the IFS model. Learn more about becoming IFS Certified here.

Beginning in August 2024 we are implementing a new General Application and Registration Process for IFS Level 1, 2, and 3 Training programs. Learn more about this process here > 

Online Learning

IFS Online Circle

IFS Online Circle

Our signature introductory online course taught by Dr. Richard Schwartz and Senior IFS trainers, Toni Herbine-Blank and Pam Krause. Enrollment opens each March and September when we offer monthly teachings progressing through the concepts of IFS including The Flow of the Model, The Protective System, Fears of the Protectors, Working with Exiles, Polarizations, Direct Access and In-Sight, and more.  

IFS Continuity Program

IFS Continuity Road Image

Our Continuity Membership Program is for those who are enrolled in or have completed an IFS Level 1 Training and those who have already participated in the Online Circle program. This online community is a global platform for continuous learning to deepen IFS knowledge and skills. Enrollment opens three times a year as we introduce a new four-month course.

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2024 IFS Institute Annual Conference

October 24-25, 2024
We hope you'll join us online!

The IFS Institute Conference welcomes individuals of all levels - from seasoned IFS Therapists and Practitioners to those who are new to the IFS Model - and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of IFS. Attendees can earn IFS Certification Credits, explore a variety of learning opportunities and connect with IFS practitioners from around the world.  The conference provides a unique platform to broaden your understanding of IFS, interact with leaders in the Model, and be in community with others who share a passion for IFS.

IFS News

Our Growing Organization

Dear all,  

Our UK partnership is an important part of our global IFS community and programming.  From humble beginnings, with the first Level 1 led by Dick Schwartz and Cece Sykes in 2011, Olivia Lester and Nicola Hollings have done amazing work in growing the IFS operation and community in the UK.  

Workshops / Retreats

Neurodifferences Affirming Internal Family Systems (IFS) Exploration Workshop

Location

Virtual Workshop | Live on Zoom 

Schedule

Friday, November 8, 2024 | 10:00AM-5:00PM, Eastern Time Zone

 

IFS Trainers Irina Diyankova and Melissa Costa will be hosting an introductory Internal Family Systems (IFS) workshop that will discuss and explore the main concepts of IFS as they apply to neurodivergent systems.  This exploration will occur through lectures, mini-demonstrations, experiential exercises and small group discussions that will help facilitate the learning experience of each participant. The workshop will be centering neurodifferences that people are born with such as autism, ADHD, sensory, and learning differences and while Irina and Melissa acknowledge that there is no consensus...

Testimonials

IFS has been the single most influential model by which I view the world, my interactions with others and myself.  It is more than a model for professionals in the mental health field. It is a model that facilitates one's personal growth and is intuitive and easily accessible.  It is applicable and versatile for a myriad of contexts including corporate teams and school classrooms.

Ellyn, Chicago IL

Great insight is developing my own ability to have presence and help my coaching clients do the same - plus opportunity to connect to a unique, warm, and supportive community.

M. Hurwich

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