Program Assistants in IFS® Training Programs

PA application information below is for North American IFS® trainings organized by IFS Institute. If you need information about being a Program Assistant in a training outside of North America, please contact the international training organizer for the training you are interested in. Contact information is on the International Level 1 Training page.

If you are already familiar with the Program Assistant role and responsibilities, click here for available PA position opportunities.

 

Benefits of Being a Program Assistant

  • Strengthen and reinforce your own learning of the IFS model
  • Earn continuing education credit
  • Take part in an IFS training tuition-free
  • Maintain connection with the IFS model and the growing IFS community
  • Increase professional competence and confidence by helping others learn IFS

Program Assistant Prerequisites and Responsibilities

Prerequisites

  • Ability to hold Self-energy.
  • PA applicants must have either a U.S. Social Security Number or a Canadian Social Insurance Number.
  • PA applicants to Level 1 trainings must have already graduated from a Level 1 training program. Preference may be given to PA applicants who are IFS Certified.
  • PA applicants to Level 2 trainings must have already graduated from a Level 2 training program. Preference may be given to PA applicants who are IFS Certified.
  • PA applicants to Level 3 trainings must have already graduated from a Level 3 training program, and must have earned Experienced PA status. Preference may be given to PA applicants who are IFS Certified. 
  • If you are applying to be a student in a training, we ask that you not apply to be a PA in that same training.

Responsibilities

  • Commitment to attend all training days (see training schedules on each training's website brochure)
  • Participate in staff meetings
  • Support the Lead Trainer(s) and the Assistant Trainer
  • Perform administrative tasks assigned by the Trainer and IFS Institute staff
  • Hold Self-energy for the training group
  • Model Self-leadership, including maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
  • Provide continuity for students, and Lead and Assistant Trainer(s)
  • Participate in the student role when it meets the needs of the training
  • Work with one’s own parts that may emerge during the course of the training
  • Abide by IFS Institute's Dual/Multiple Relationship Policy (see FAQ #28 | IFS Institute (ifs-institute.com)
  • Facilitate or co-facilitate home groups – develop a safe, satisfying, supportive environment that will facilitate students' learning, provide Self-energy for the group, track interpersonal and group interactions
  • Work with small practice groups – support learning edges and provide feedback to the student who is in the role of therapist, protect exiles of the person in the role of client, model the IFS model, help track students' learning of IFS, understand the progression of skill development throughout the training

Program Assistant Selection, Supervision, Evaluation

  • PAs are chosen by each training’s Lead and Assistant Trainers.  If you have questions about the selection schedule, please contact the trainers (contact information is in this website's Trainers Directory or "Find a Professional" section). 
  • PAs are supervised by and receive feedback from their Lead and Assistant Trainers during the course of their training programs.

Program Assistant Stipend

The PA position is a volunteer position with a stipend provided to offset expenses. PAs in Level 1, 2, and 3 trainings receive a $155 daily stipend including, if applicable, scheduled Bridge Days for Level 1 trainings. There is no stipend for sessions fewer than two hours.  Program Assistants are not charged tuition.

Program Assistant Online Applications

Important - Every training has a PA application deadline.  Please submit your PA application prior to the deadline to be considered as a PA.
Click here for Program Assistant opportunities in the United States and Canada. 

Program Assistant Interest List

Click here if you would like to add your name to a PA interest list.  This information will be made available to IFS trainers ​if they have additional PA needs.