IFS Institute is proud to announce the official launch of IFS Foundations for Coaches, our newest program offering designed specifically for coaches who are ready to deepen their practice through Internal Family Systems (IFS). This initiative is part of our continued commitment to expanding the communities we serve and creating high-integrity programming tailored specifically to the coaching profession and grounded in the principles of the IFS model.
Originally piloted in Fall 2024, the program began with 80 curious and courageous coaches. Their engagement and thoughtful feedback helped us shape the course into a robust, spacious, and supportive experience, uniquely attuned to the coaching profession. The International Coach Federation (ICF) has approved the program for 30 CCEs, recognizing its value in supporting core coaching competencies.
This May, we welcomed our second cohort of 60 certified and accredited coaches. Together, they are discovering how IFS can enrich their ability to bring depth, presence, and curiosity into their client work. Participants are already experiencing powerful shifts in their ability to stay Self-led during coaching sessions, leading to greater client growth and progress.
Here's how some coaches are describing their experience in the program:
"I’m really excited at what I’m learning and the growth I’m experiencing."
"My mentor was incredibly supportive and created a safe space for exploration. They offered helpful feedback, were attentive to my learning edges, and encouraged self-reflection in a very gentle yet constructive way."
"This modality has a nice layering effect to our already established coaching practices. It is holistic and fluid and feels like an extension of who we are. It is so intuitive. We can really and truly let go and let the client do their thing. So much of the work happens just within the person’s self."
Supportive and Experiential by Design
The program is led by two experienced co-lead instructors and supported by a global team of four dedicated practice guides. Our faculty combine deep IFS and coaching experience with a global presence, supporting our vision of expanding this program internationally in the coming years. They accompany and support participants in every step of the learning process. From live sessions with demos and breakout room practice, to small group mentoring and peer practice, this isn’t a passive learning experience; it’s hands-on, relational, and instrumental in changing the way coaches do their work.
Fall 2025 Cohort: Applications Opening Soon
As we look ahead to the Fall 2025 cohort, we’re keeping the learning environment intimate and personalized. Participants can expect to be part of small group mentoring, guided practice in breakout sessions, and rich opportunities for exploration during plenary didactic sessions, Q&As, and demonstrations.
We invite interested coaches to join the waitlist to be the first to hear when applications for Cohort 3 open, and to help spread the word to other coaches who are ready to bring more Self leadership into their work.
IFS Institute is already developing program schedules for 2026 and 2027 as we continue to expand this exciting offering. We look forward to welcoming even more participants into IFS Foundations for Coaches in the near future.