FAQ

Those who have completed any of the Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 IFS training programs and have implemented IFS in their practices report enormous job satisfaction for themselves and their clients. In addition, private practitioners who use IFS with their clients report that their referral base has broadened substantially, and their practices have dramatically improved overall.

Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 IFS Training Programs provide comprehensive training and experience in the IFS therapeutic model. Upon completion of each Level of training, participants are prepared to work as IFS therapists, having gained a breadth of knowledge and understanding about the way in which IFS enhances their lives, the lives of their clients, and others. Other IFS events and activities are generally shorter and/or serve as introductions to aspects of the IFS model.

IFS trainings are primarily designed to provide education and practice in using the IFS model for mental health care  professionals. While IFS Institute provides space in trainings for those who are not mental health care professionals, we may consider the overall participant composition of a training and limit the number in each training. We also review all applications to ensure, as best we can, that each applicant is a good fit for an IFS training.

Scope of Practice: Programs - Materials and methods included in this course may include interventions or practices that are beyond your scope of practice. As a professional in your given field, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined by applicable law as beyond the boundaries of your practice, and applying your learning in compliance with your professional standards.  

Due to the popularity of IFS Training Programs, IFS Institute uses a lottery to determine who may apply for a space in a Training or a Training wait list. 

When a new Training becomes available, we send email notifications to those who have signed up to receive them.  Click Here to sign up for email notifications when new Trainings are posted. 

There is a lottery for each Training so that people can choose which Training they’re interested in based on Training dates, time zone, format, and other significant details. Instructions about how to sign up for a Training’s lottery are in the emails sent to people who have signed up for email notifications.  After each lottery occurs, we send an email to people selected about the next steps, including providing access to the Training's online application form. 

Only those who have submitted a completed application may be placed on a Training Program roster or wait list, though acceptance into each Training (roster or wait list) is determined by the subsequent application review process.

Click the link below to see questions that are on application forms for IFS Institute-organized Training Programs. Please note that this isn't an actual application. This information is for reference only. Thanks!

IFS Level 1 Training Program Application Questions

IFS Level 2 Training Program Application Questions

IFS Level 3 Training Program Application Questions

The application review process may take several weeks, and you will be notified by email about whether or not you have been accepted. Some applicants report that IFS Institute emails go to their spam folders, so please check yours on occasion or change your settings so that your in-box accepts IFS Institute emails.

In order to become IFS certified, you must successfully complete the IFS Certification process. Please visit the Certification area of this website to learn more about the criteria and procedures for becoming certified.

Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, developer of the IFS model and founder of IFS Institute, doesn't teach Level 1 or 2 Trainings.  He occasionally teaches a Level 3 Training that IFS Institute offers. Please see each Training's brochure for more information.

IFS Trainings are taught by therapists who have a wide array of IFS experience as therapists, and who have been extensively trained as IFS Lead and Assistant Trainers.  Program Assistants work with participants under the guidance of the Lead and Assistant Trainers. 

Each Training's session and daily schedules are listed on the Training's brochure.  Each Training's brochure is linked to the Training's individual webpage.

The readings and any other materials required for each Training are listed on individual Trainings' brochures.  Each Training's brochure is linked to the Training's individual webpage.

Earning the Certificate of Completion in an IFS Training means that you may: 

• Apply for the next level of Training;
• Request a listing on this website's Provider Directory (under "Find a Professional").  Please email info@ifs-institute.com for details about the Directory.
• Apply to become a Program Assistant;
• Begin to pursue becoming IFS Certified. Please visit the Certification area of this website or email certification@ifs-institute.com for more information.

• Tuition: Each training's tuition rate is listed on the training's webpage.
• Travel, Room and Board: Participants pay for their own travel, lodging, and meals for on-site sessions.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is charged when you submit your application.
• Readings & Other Materials: These are listed on Training Informational Brochures linked to training webpages.
• Costs are subject to change.

IFS Institute offers Training Tuition Scholarships to help defray tuition costs for those who qualify.  Details about scholarships and the scholarship application form are available here:  Scholarships for North American IFS Trainings

No, as of May 1, 2023, we no longer offer payment plans. Payment due dates are listed in each training's Informational Brochure.

Your deposit will be charged when you are accepted into your Training, and this is required to secure your place.  For details about billing, please see each Training's brochure.

Yes. Tuition is set for the Training as a whole, and everyone in a Training can, if necessary, miss a limited amount of Training time.  Please see each Training's brochure for details. 

To be eligible for an IFS Institute Certificate of Completion, a participant needs to attend a minimum number of Training hours offered. Please review the brochure for each Training for details.

If you miss too much Training time, you will not be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion.

No, and this is to preserve and foster the positive group dynamics that develop within each Training Program. In addition, staffing levels, breakout groups, and site arrangements are particular to each Training, and temporary increases in enrollment while a Training is running cannot be accommodated.

No, but we recommend that you review the section of your Training manual related to the time you missed, and contact someone in the Training to learn what took place.

This policy applies to IFS Level 1, 2, and 3 training programs organized by IFS Institute, Inc. that begin on or after January 1, 2020, except for Community Access trainings. Individuals and entities that organize International trainings, IFIO trainings, or trainings at CCSU or CHA-CMC may have different policies.

Participants who pay their full tuition amount for an IFS Institute-organized training, but who don’t earn a Certificate of Completion for the training, are eligible to receive a 25% discount on a future IFS Institute-organized training. The new training must be of the same Level and content as the uncompleted training, except in some cases for Level 2s, as follows:

• If a Level 2 participant is eligible for the repeater discount and hasn’t attended any of their training, then they may “repeat” any Level 2 Intensive topic IFS Institute offers, as long as they are accepted for the new training.
• If a Level 2 participant is eligible for the repeater discount and has attended some of their training, then they may repeat only that Level 2 Intensive topic, as long as they are accepted for the new training.

IFS Institute will do its best to recognize when a participant is eligible for this repeater discount, but it is the responsibility of the participant to bring their status to IFS Institute’s attention when submitting their program application.  This policy may change without notice.

IFS Institute reserves the right to postpone, cancel or otherwise change any Training Program schedule prior to its beginning. At no time is IFS Institute responsible for Training Program participants' travel, lodging, or incidental expenses. IFS Institute reserves the right to substitute Training Program staff whenever necessary without obligation to participants enrolled in the Training Program. 

Thank you for your interest in learning more about trainings for organizations.  In efforts to get to know your organization better, we have created a brief Community Access Programs (CAP) Questionnaire that should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.  To access this questionnaire, please CLICK HERE. IFSI may not be able to accommodate each training request; however, we are developing our curriculum in anticipation of having more program offerings in the near future.  If there are any direct questions related to our Community Access Programs, please reach out to Laura@ifs-institute.com.

IFS Institute is committed to providing a fair, effective and transparent process to respond to complaints and concerns raised by our staff, program participants and community.  This policy sets out the procedure for receiving, reviewing, and responding to complaints.  

We are committed to resolving complaints in a timely way, and in alignment with our DE&I Commitment Statement as well as our Code of Conduct.

The monitoring and assessment of compliance with these standards will be the responsibility of IFS Institute's Leadership Team. While IFS Institute goes to great lengths to assure fair treatment for all participants in its events and activities and attempts to anticipate problems, it recognizes that complaints may arise.  

When a complaint is made known to the IFS Institute, the following guidelines will be followed with respect to achieving a solution:   

(A) The person making the complaint will be asked to submit their complaint in writing, via the on-line complaint form that can be found at the bottom of the contact us page of our website.   

(B) The complaint will be directed to the IFSI Director who has primary oversight of the area related to the complaint. A decision or resolution will be made by this Director in a timely manner 

(C) If the individual making the complaint is not satisfied with the decision/resolution of the Director, they may submit an appeal  

(D) A final decision in consultation with the IFSI Leadership and CEO will then be issued. Once the final joint decision of the CEO and relevant Director(s) is issued, the complaint process is complete. 

Definitions

Trainer – For the purposes of this policy, any Lead Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer, Guest Trainer, Assistant Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer Mentee, Assistant Trainer Mentee, Program Assistant, and other person(s) teaching at an IFS Level 1, 2, or 3 training program organized by IFS Institute, Inc. (IFSI).

Participant – For the purposes of this policy, anyone who is a student in an IFS Level 1, 2, or 3 training program organized by IFSI.

Roster – The document generated by IFSI for each training that may list training applicants, accepted training participants, trainers, and their personal information. Rosters are routinely updated with additional applicants, participants, and trainers.

1. Different states, provinces, and other governmental jurisdictions may have different policies regarding dual/multiple relationships for counselors, therapists, and other professionals for whom dual/multiple relationships may exist. Therefore, trainers are expected to take responsibility for checking with their particular and applicable governing policies, and for adhering to the professional standards for dual/multiple relationships outlined therein. Trainers are also expected to adhere to the governing policies of their professional disciplines regarding dual/multiple relationships.
2. It is IFSI’s policy that a trainer may not enter into a therapeutic or supervisory relationship with a training participant or other trainer in their training until the training is completed. Trainers are expected to adhere to the professional standards as in paragraph 1 above if those standards are more stringent or comprehensive than IFSI’s.
3. IFSI is committed to maintaining the safety of its highly experiential IFS training programs. To that end, IFSI is sensitive to the potential difficulties of any type of dual/multiple relationship between trainer and trainer, or trainer and participant. Therefore, IFSI requires Lead Trainers, Co-Lead Trainers, Assistant Trainers, Guest Trainers, Co-Lead Trainer Mentees, and Assistant Trainer Mentees, to review all applicants for their trainings to determine if they are in dual/multiple relationships with any of them. If you, as a Lead Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer, Assistant Trainer, Guest Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer Mentee, or Assistant Trainer Mentee, believe you are in a dual/multiple relationship with anyone that involves privileged communication, particularly (but not only) supervisory or therapeutic, you must contact the other person(s) and resolve the situation in accordance with this policy before the training begins, and thoroughly work out how the dual/multiple relationship will be managed through the end of the training. IFSI acknowledges that dual/multiple relationships that involve privileged communication are confidential and, therefore, IFSI cannot be responsible for resolving them or for their existence in its training programs.
4. If you, as a Lead Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer, Assistant Trainer, Guest Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer Mentee, or Assistant Trainer Mentee, believe you are in a dual/multiple relationship with anyone that does not involve privileged communication, you may either contact the other person(s) and resolve the situation in accordance with this policy before the training begins, or contact your Lead Trainer before the training begins. If a participant or trainer is going to be asked to withdraw from a training in order to resolve a dual/multiple relationship that does not involve privileged communication, and that person is dissatisfied with being asked to withdraw, then at that time the Lead Trainer will send an email to IFSI’s Director of Operations, and simultaneously send a copy of that email to IFSI’s Talent Manager and North American Operations Manager for their information. The final decision about how to handle a dual/multiple relationship that does not involve privileged communication rests with IFSI’s Director of Operations.
5. If any trainer wants to disclose their dual/multiple relationship to other trainers in their training, then the trainer with a dual/multiple relationship must have a signed agreement with the person with whom they have a dual/multiple relationship granting permission for such disclosure. If any trainer wants to disclose their dual/multiple relationship to participants in their training, then the trainer with the dual/multiple relationship must have a signed agreement with the participant with whom they have a dual/multiple relationship granting permission for such disclosure. These written agreements must be provided, secured, and held by the trainer, and are not the responsibility of IFSI. These written agreements must be completed before the training begins.
6. If you are a Lead Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer, Guest Trainer, Assistant Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer Mentee, or Assistant Trainer Mentee, you must access your trainings’ rosters on IFSI’s file sharing system when you need to know more about who is involved with your trainings.
7. Dual/Multiple Relationships Involving Program Assistants, and Assistant Trainers’ Responsibility for Sharing Rosters with Program Assistant Applicants

A. Anyone who has a potentially problematic dual/multiple relationship with a training’s Lead Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer, Guest Trainer, Assistant Trainer, Co-Lead Trainer Mentee, and/or Assistant Trainer Mentee is discouraged from applying to be a Program Assistant in that training.

B. Assistant Trainers must share their trainings’ current rosters with Program Assistant applicants before Program Assistants are chosen so they can screen for dual/multiple relationships.

C. Assistant Trainers must share their trainings’ current rosters with Program Assistants who have been chosen so they can screen for dual/multiple relationships, and this must be done every 2-3 weeks thereafter, during the time before the training begins.

D. If a Program Assistant has a dual/multiple relationship with a participant that involves privileged communication, and the dual/multiple relationship is potentially problematic such that it cannot be ethically managed within the training (as determined by those in the dual/multiple relationship and in accordance with IFSI’s dual/multiple relationship policy), then the Program Assistant is required to withdraw from the training.

E. If a Program Assistant has a dual/multiple relationship with a participant that does not involve privileged communication, then the Program Assistant may either contact the other person(s) and resolve the situation in accordance with this policy before the beginning of the training, and thoroughly work out how the dual/multiple relationship will be managed through the end of the training, or contact the Lead Trainer. If a participant or Program Assistant is going to be asked to withdraw from a training in order to resolve a dual/multiple relationship that does not involve privileged communication, and that person is dissatisfied with being asked to withdraw, then at that time the Lead Trainer will send an email to IFSI’s Director of Operations, and simultaneously send a copy of that email to IFSI’s Talent Manager and North American Operations Manager for their information. The final decision about how to handle a dual/multiple relationship that does not involve privileged communication rests with IFSI’s Director of Operations.

IFS Institute (IFSI) is committed to maintaining the safety and ethics of its highly experiential training programs. To that end, IFSI is sensitive to the potential difficulties of any type of dual/multiple relationship between trainer and participant, or participant and participant. Therefore, IFSI requires that you review the roster for your training program (IFSI will provide it to you prior to the start of your training program) and determine if you are in a dual/multiple relationship with anyone. If you are in a dual/multiple relationship with someone, particularly (but not only) supervisory or therapeutic, you must contact  that person and resolve the situation before the training program begins. In order to respect the confidentiality of your dual/multiple relationship, please address the situation directly. IFSI acknowledges that dual/multiple relationships need to remain confidential and, therefore,  IFSI cannot be responsible for resolving them or for their existence in its training programs. It is the responsibility of the therapist in a therapist-client dual/multiple relationship, and of the supervisor in a supervisor-supervisee dual/multiple relationship to address the situation. Different states, provinces, and other governmental jurisdictions may have different policies regarding dual/multiple relationships for counselors, therapists, and other professionals for whom dual/multiple relationships may exist. Therefore, training program participants are expected to take responsibility for checking with their particular and applicable governing policies, and for adhering to the professional standards for dual/multiple relationships outlined therein. Participants in IFSI training programs are also expected to adhere to the governing policies of their professional disciplines regarding dual/multiple relationships. If a Lead, Co-Lead, Guest, or Assistant Trainer,  Co-Lead Trainer Mentee, Assistant Trainer Mentee, or any other Trainer believes that they have a dual/multiple relationship with a training program applicant, the training program applicant may not enroll in this particular training program. As a participant in an IFSI training program, you take full responsibility for understanding the risks of entering into IFSI training programs with a dual/multiple relationship and for any issues that may arise in regard to dual/multiple relationships, and agree that any dual/multiple relationship issue does not exempt you from fulfilling your payment agreement.

If returning a book for damaged reasons: Contact our Bookstore Manager via phone 708.383.2659 or email info@ifs-institute.com for instructions to send items back to Speaker Fulfillment Services. Contact Bookstore Manager prior to mailing items. Refund in full including S/H. No re-stocking fee will be applied.

If returning a book for any other reason: Contact Bookstore Manager via phone or email for instructions to send items back to Speaker Fulfillment Services.
Contact Bookstore Manager prior to mailing items. Refund in full for merchandise only less $3 restocking fee per box. IFS Institute will not cover S/H for the return to Speaker Fulfillment Services.

Refunds will be issued the same manner as payment was received.

Yes, all international shipping fees are subject to fuel surcharges which we are forced to pass on to our customers. These surcharges are in addition to our posted shipping fees. THIS FEE WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD AFTER THE ITEM/S HAVE BEEN SHIPPED.

Please contact our Bookstore Manager for details on the approval process for listing on our IFS store.

No. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 IFS training programs provide comprehensive training and experience in the IFS therapeutic model. Upon completion of each level of training, participants are prepared to work as IFS therapists, having gained a breadth of knowledge and understanding about the way in which IFS enhances their lives, the lives of their clients, and others. Workshops such as those offered by PESI, or other independent administrators do not replace or substitute the IFS Institute Training program offerings.

Code of Conduct for Events and Activities Organized by IFS Institute, Inc.

Members of IFS Institute’s events and activities: Anyone who participates in, observes, teaches, or otherwise is present at an IFSI-organized training program, conference, webinar, teleconference, workshop, on-line community, or other function.

IFS Institute requires that Members of its events and activities create and maintain an appropriate and harassment-free learning environment for themselves and others. While all parts are welcome, all behavior is not.

Behaviors that are not aligned with our Code of Conduct include:

• Aggressive or hostile verbal comments and/or behavior
• Displaying or allowing to be displayed sexual images in public spaces
• Intimidation or stalking
• Unwanted or uninvited photography or recording
• Sustained or frequent disruption of training program exercises and activities
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Overt disregard for the impact of one's words or actions on historically marginalized group members
• Inability to work effectively in a group setting, including a lack of willingness to work toward repair with other participants, even with the support of training program staff
• Inability to unblend from aggressive, hostile, controlling, or otherwise significantly disruptive parts, even with facilitation
• Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior

IFSI reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal remedies and/or removal from IFS Institute events for any failure to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality: While IFS training programs are not psychotherapy sessions, all training program components, including those that are experiential in nature, are for the purpose of teaching people to use the IFS model. Therefore, the interactions and information shared by Members are not privileged communications as they might be during actual therapy sessions.

However, in order to create and maintain an appropriate learning environment, all personal material that Members of the training program disclose should be treated as confidential and should not be shared with persons who are not Members of this particular training program, including family members, friends, colleagues, participants, and Members of other training programs. 

In addition, we ask that you respect the confidentiality of the people with whom you are practicing and in your home groups, and not discuss other’s work or experiences outside of these small groups (which includes not talking about their work in this training program’s large group), unless you have their permission.

Confidential information may need to be disclosed if holding the information would (1) compromise anyone’s safety, health, or well-being, or (2) violate your ethical or legal responsibilities.  Professional and licensing organizations, as well as states, provinces, and other governmental jurisdictions, may have specific and different policies regarding confidentiality for counselors, therapists, and other professionals. Training program Members are responsible for knowing their particular and applicable governing policies, and for adhering to their professional standards for confidentiality.

Online Community Purpose: Our online community platforms, including but not limited to Facebook Groups, provide forums for shared experiences using the IFS model.  In addition to the Code of Conduct, we have the following participation guidelines:

Promotional posts: We will provide prompts to allow you to comment with any offers, products, or services you have available to the community. Please refrain from individual posts advertising for personal gain.

Clinical consultation: No one may post information that could potentially breach client confidentiality.

Medical disclaimer: Online communities are not substitutes for clinical diagnosis or treatment, nor is the information provided intended to replace consultation with a qualified health-care provider. If you’re in crisis, please contact your local emergency services.

Please note the opinions and content on community group pages do not represent IFS Institute, nor do they necessarily represent the IFS model. If you have any questions about online community issues, please contact Sara Oberg - contact information is at www.ifs-institute.com.