During week 8 you will have an in-depth workshop with Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.. Enjoy a rich schedule with classes during the day and head to the beach in your free time.

Trauma and Releasing Personal & Legacy Burdens IFS Model

The workshop will provide a brief review of the basics of the IFS model by Richard Schwartz, PhD, who developed the model, then will focus in detail on its use with attachment and trauma. IFS is a non-pathologizing, hopeful framework within which to practice psychotherapy now certified as an evidence-based practice by SAMHSA. IFS offers both a conceptual umbrella under which a variety of practices and different approaches can be grounded and guided, and a set of original techniques for creating safety and fostering Self-to-Self connection in individuals, couples and families.
​
The workshop will focus on helping clients release personal burdens related to traumatic experiences in their lives. An overview of the clinical applications of IFS in trauma work will be presented. You will learn through didactic teaching, interactive dialogue, demonstration and live interviews.

This presentation will provide a brief review of the basics of the IFS model by Richard Schwartz, PhD, who developed the model, then will focus in detail on its use with attachment injuries and trauma related presenting problems. IFS is a non-pathologizing, hopeful framework within which to practice psychotherapy certified as an evidence-based practice by SAMHSA. IFS offers both a conceptual umbrella under which a variety of practices and different approaches can be grounded and guided, and a set of original techniques for creating safety and fostering Self-to-Self connection in individuals, couples, and families. The model posits that people have a core Self that is unharmed by traumatic events. The path to healing in the IFS model is to facilitate a process that releases constraints to people living a life that is led by their core Self rather than from aspects of themselves, called parts, that act from reactive and defensive stances, causing further problems in an effort to help or protect.

Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems, in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves. He focused on the systemic relationships patterns among these parts that were similarly organized across clients. He found that when clients’ parts felt safe and were allowed to relax, they would experience spontaneously the qualities of confidence, openness, and compassion that Dr. Schwartz came to call the Self. He will show us how to support clients in that state of Self, to facilitate their healing of their own parts.

The first day of the workshop will focus on helping clients release personal burdens related to traumatic experiences in their lives. An overview of the clinical applications of IFS in trauma work will be presented. You will learn through didactic teaching, interactive dialogue, demonstration, and live interviews.

During the second day, the focus will be on understanding and releasing legacy burdens. Legacy burdens are powerful organizers of our minds and behaviors. Dr. Schwartz will teach about the beliefs and emotions we and our clients absorb from family, peers, ethnic groups and cultural contexts regarding ourselves and/or groups with whom we identify, as well as groups we consider “other.” We will explore the sources of those burdens and the fears of releasing them. This work is critically important to create more peace and less divisiveness in our often-fractured world. Through the concept of legacy burdens and the path to healing them, Dr. Schwartz will posit a way of understanding ethnic, racial and other differences related to intersecting identities that create paths to a more ethical and just approaches to working across differences between and among the people with whom we work.

Dr. Schwartz will discuss contraindications to using IFS therapy as well as the ways the model can and cannot be easily integrated with other approaches to trauma work. He will discuss current research on the model including limitations of the data and needs for further study.

Statement of Need: Prior to the pandemic there was a greater need for trauma trained mental health professionals than there were clinicians available. Currently, we are living in a time of significant added stress, trauma, complicated grief, and uncertainty. IFS is a model that was developed as an intervention to support clients with dangerous trauma reactive behaviors who were not responding well to traditional methods. This two-day workshop will provide clinicians working with a wide range of clients and traumatic reactions many concepts and methods to enhance their capacity to serve this population.

The most potent destroyer of dreams and second acts is the voice in our head—the inner critic that tells us we’re not good enough, young enough, or smart enough. Navigating the challenging transitions in life is a balancing act that requires us to hear and follow the voices in our hearts, instead of the inner critic that wants us to stay where we are—safe, unchallenged, and stagnant. In short, it takes our best Self. Our whole Self.

Enter this powerful workshop, firmly rooted in the principles of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) transformative tool developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., which will guide you to confront your inner critic. You’ll transform these self-sabotaging voices into a pathway that enables you to harmonize your 'self' with clarity, compassion, and confidence, ultimately empowering you to live your best life.

The MEA core curriculum forms the foundation of each workshop we offer and is focused on equipping you with the skills to navigate transitions, break through life obstacles, and tap into your deeper life purpose.

Additionally, in this particular workshop, expert faculty Dick Schwartz will take you on an interactive and life-changing journey that will guide you to:

• Embark on the Internal Family Systems (IFS) revolution, experiencing firsthand how honoring and communicating with our parts transforms our approach to mental wellness
• Transform the ego, the inner critic, and the saboteur, harnessing these often-maligned parts and turning them into powerful allies
• Explore the origins of ‘Burdens’ that cause our parts to become distorted and stuck in childhood traumas and cultural beliefs
• Reveal the profound truths of IFS—affirming that there are no inherently “bad” parts, illustrating the innate goodness within every human
• Unveil the Self―discover your essence of wisdom and compassion that is the source of healing and harmony
• Engage in practical exercises, including mapping your parts, accessing the Self, working with challenging protectors, identifying triggers for each part, and more