Highlights of the Level 1 Training

As clinical treatment, IFS has been rated effective for improving general functioning and well-being. In addition, it has been rated promising for improving each of phobia, panic, and generalized anxiety disorders and symptoms; physical health conditions and symptoms; personal resilience/self-concept; and depression and depressive symptoms.

Who should apply?

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.

IFS Institute is working on many fronts to create more trainings, and part of this work is to expand our curriculum so that we can provide programs and opportunities in the near future for those who are not mental health care professionals.

We accept applications from:

• Mental and medical healthcare professionals  
• Pastoral counselors 
• Mental health masters or doctoral students  
• Professionals in allied healthcare fields
• Dance, art, and music professionals

Why Does an IFS Level 1 Training Matter?

The IFS Level 1 Training is the core, required, and only legitimate way to use IFS in a clinical setting. Anyone who has not completed the IFS Level 1 Training, at a minimum, cannot effectively or in good faith practice IFS psychotherapy.

Internal Family Systems is a unique and powerful way in which to learn about, trust, and love our parts and ourselves, as well as the parts and Self of others. Learning to practice IFS is a deeply engaged process and requires the IFS practitioner to be fully trained to ensure that the client of an IFS therapist is equipped to practice IFS safely and effectively.

The IFS Level 1 Training is a comprehensive training program of about 90 training hours, with a participant-to-staff ratio of about 3:1 to ensure participant experiential practice in roles of therapist and client alike. To help participants learn and hone their skills with the IFS model, training members meet with the whole group at times, and in different types of breakout groups of about 4-10 people each at other times. 

Completion of the IFS Level 1 Training will also allow you to:

• Refer to yourself as IFS Trained
• Apply to IFS Level 2 Trainings
• Work towards IFS Certification
• Be listed in the IFS Institute Directory

Honing the Skills of IFS

Level 1 Trainings are comprehensive programs in which participants develop an understanding of the conceptual basis of IFS and learn how to apply IFS techniques to various clinical populations. Participants are also invited to explore their own inner worlds within a training's safe, nurturing context. A select group of IFS trainers teaches Level 1s using a format that features lectures, experiential exercises, video review, large and small group discussions, and small group practice sessions.