FAQs about the Internal Family Systems International Training Programs

1. How do I benefit from becoming an IFS therapist?
   Those who have completed any of the Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 IFS training programs and have implemented the IFS model within their practices universally report enormous job satisfaction for themselves and their clients. In addition, private practitioners who use the IFS model with their clients report that their referral base has broadened substantially by becoming IFS therapists and their practices have dramatically improved overall.
2. Are workshops the same as trainings?
   No, workshops and trainings are not the same. The Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 IFS training programs provide a comprehensive learning and experiencing of the IFS therapeutic model. Upon completion of each level of training, participants are prepared to work as IFS therapists, having gained a breadth of experience and understanding about the way in which IFS enhances their lives, the lives of their clients, and others. Workshops are shorter, one-day or one-weekend events that serve either as an introduction to the IFS model or are issue-specific learning opportunities.
3. Who participates in IFS training programs?
   While the natural and predominant constituency for IFS trainings are mental health care professionals, others frequently participate in and benefit from the trainings, including masters and doctoral students of the healing arts and sciences, pastoral counselors, business and academic professionals, dance and art therapists, body workers, those from the professional public seeking personal and spiritual growth, and anyone seeking a community of like-minded individuals. Level 1 training programs are open to everyone. Participants need to have successfully completed a Level 1 training in order to enroll in a Level 2 training, and those that wish to enroll in a Level 3 training need to have successfully completed a Level 2 program.
4. How do I apply to a training?
   You can apply online or download an application to submit by mail or fax. Please visit the website page that lists the training you are interested in for more information.
5. Can I reserve a space in a training without submitting my completed application?
   No. Only those who have submitted a completed application may be placed on the roster, though acceptance into the training is determined by the subsequent application review process.
6. Can I apply if I'm not a therapist?
   Yes. While the majority of participants are therapists and counselors, we welcome participation from anyone who has a personal or professional interest in learning the IFS model and who has a sincere commitment to the process of doing so.
7. When will I know whether or not I've been accepted?
   Once your full application is received, it generally takes 1-2 weeks for it to be reviewed and finalized. You will be notified by email at that time. Please get in touch with the contact person for your training if you don’t hear in a timely fashion.
8. How much does the training cost?
   
   • Tuition: At the present time the tuition for Level 1 trainings is 3400 USD, the tuition for Level 2 trainings is 2500 USD, and the tuition for Level 3 trainings is 1500 USD.
   • Room and Board: Participants pay for their own lodging and meals.
   • Application Fee: A non-refundable 30 USD application fee is charged when you submit your application.
   • Readings: You may be asked to purchase some reading materials for your training. Information about these can be provided by the training contact person.
   • Costs are subject to change.
9. Are tuition payment plans available?
   Yes. The specific plans are detailed on each training program's application form and are administered by the CSL Bookkeeper.
10. When will my deposit be charged?
    Your deposit will be charged when you are accepted into your training.

11. Is financial assistance available?
    For information about possible financial assistance, communicate with the contact person listed for the training in which you have interest.

12. Do I have to pay the full tuition if I am going to miss some of my training?
    Yes. Tuition is set for the training as a whole, not by individual days.
13. What does having the Certificate of Completion mean?
    When you earn a Certificate of Completion at the end of your training, you may:
    • Apply for the next level of training;
    • Apply to become a Program Assistant; and
    • Consider becoming certified as an IFS Therapist or IFS Practitioner. Please email certification@selfleadership.org for more information.

14. How many hours of my training do I need to complete to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion?
    In order to be eligible for a CSL Certificate of Completion, a participant needs to attend a minimum of:
    • 90 of the 108 hours offered in a Level 1 training
    • 60 of the 72 hours offered in a Level 2 training
    • 16 hours of the 20 contact hours offered in Level 3 training.

15. What if I miss more than the maximum number of hours allowed?
    You may continue to participate in your training, but you will not be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion for it. If you wish to earn a Certificate of Completion for this training level you need to participate in a subsequent training and complete the minimum number of hours required at this new training; participating in only the previously missed sessions is not permitted. Note that you may participate in this subsequent training at half price.
16. Can I make up days I miss by going to another training?
    There are no make-up options due to the group dynamics that develop within each training. In addition, staffing levels and site arrangements are particular to each training, and temporary increases in enrollment while a training is running cannot be accommodated.
17. Are there make-up sessions or material if I miss part of my training?
    No, but you should be sure to read the section of your training manual for the time you have missed and contact someone in the training to learn what took place.
18. What is your refund policy?
    Level 1 Training Programs: The 500 USD deposit is charged upon acceptance into the training program and is fully refundable if withdrawal from the training occurs 45 or more days before the start of the training. If withdrawal occurs 44-15 days before the start of the training, the deposit may be transferred to another program as long as it is used within 18 months. If withdrawal occurs 14 or fewer days before the start of the training, the deposit is forfeited.

    Tuition payments for Level 1 trainings are required as follows for withdrawals that occur after a training has begun (full tuition less deposit):

    • Withdrawal after Session 1: 1/3 remainder of tuition (less deposit) plus any carrying fee related to the payment plan you chose.
    • Withdrawal after Session 2: 2/3 remainder of tuition (less deposit) plus any carrying fee related to the payment plan you chose.

Level 2 Training Programs: The 500 USD deposit is charged upon acceptance into the training program and is fully refundable if withdrawal from the training occurs 45 or more days before the start of the training. If withdrawal occurs 44-15 days before the start of the training, the deposit may be transferred to another program as long as it is used within 18 months. If withdrawal occurs 14 or fewer days before the start of the training, the deposit is forfeited.

Tuition payments for Level 2 trainings are required as follows for withdrawals that occur after a training has begun (full tuition less deposit):

• Withdrawal after Session 1: 1/2 remainder of tuition (less deposit) plus any carrying fee related to the payment plan you chose.

Level 3 Training Programs: The 500 USD deposit is charged upon acceptance into the training program and is fully refundable if withdrawal from the training occurs 45 or more days before the start of the training. If withdrawal occurs 44-15 days before the start of the training, the deposit may be transferred to another program as long as it is used within 18 months. If withdrawal occurs 14 or fewer days before the start of the training, the deposit is forfeited.

19. Will I be a certified IFS Therapist or Certified IFS Practitioner by completing my training?
    In order to become certified as an IFS therapist or IFS Practitioner, you must successfully complete the Certification process. Please visit the Certification area of this website or email certification@selfleadership.org for more information.
20. Who leads the trainings?
    Level 1 and 2 trainings are led by therapists hired by CSL who have a vast array of IFS experience as therapists and who have been extensively trained as IFS Level 1 and/or Level 2 trainers. Several Program Assistants work with Level 1 and Level 2 participants under the guidance of the Lead and Assistant trainers. Program Assistants have, at a minimum, completed a Level 1 IFS training program.
21. What is the schedule of trainings?
    
    • Level 1 trainings meet for three 5-day sessions over the course of about a year.
    • Level 2 trainings meet for two 5-day sessions over the course of about 8 months.
    • Level 3 trainings meet for 5 consecutive days.
      
      However, the structure is subject to change.
22. What do I learn in a Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 training program?
    Level 1: Mastering the Skills of IFS
    In addition to thoroughly learning IFS theory and technique, the Level 1 training program invites participants to explore their own inner worlds in a safe, nurturing context. Participants:
    • Develop an understanding of the conceptual basis of the IFS model;
    • Apply basic IFS techniques to various clinical populations; and
    • Take advantage of the opportunities the model offers for personal development.

The format includes lecture, discussion, demonstration, experiential exercises, and small group supervision and practice.

Level 2: Deepening IFS Work with Specific Populations
The curriculum for Level 2 is presented in a format similar to that of the Level 1 training and includes didactic, video, large group experiential and small group practice elements. Each Level 2 session focuses on a different content area that will expand your knowledge of and facility with IFS, and will help you to continue your personal growth. Level 2 trainings are taught by several IFS lead trainers, exposing participants to different styles and expertise. The two sessions serve to:

• Form a connected and safe training group; assess where each student is with the model and identify and address common stuck points with it; build new skills and increase ability to hold Self energy.
• Focus on how to work with multi-person systems, with a particular focus on treating couples, while also extrapolating to families, groups, and companies. This includes new content and a new outline for couples' treatment with clear steps that will be practiced.
• Focus on the challenges of treating clients who have experienced childhood trauma or have extremely protective systems, including new content and videos as well as extensive practice time.
• Emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and explore spiritual aspects of the model.

Level 3: Specialized Retreat with IFS Founder, Dr. Richard Schwartz
Level 3 trainings are led exclusively by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Level 3 participants work intensively with a group of advanced practitioners who have learned the theory and technique of IFS and are now interested in increasing the depth of their knowledge.

The format features demonstrations, experiential group exercises, large and small group discussions, extended mediations, and intensive personal work. You are a good fit for a Level 3 training if your goal is not only to become a better therapist or consultant, but also to:

• Learn about and unburden your personal triggers and blind spots;
• Hold Self-energy in daily life and when provoked;
• Clarify your vision for your career and life path in general;
• Practice giving and receiving Self-led feedback;
• Discover some key trailheads;
• Explore your spirituality.

23. Training postponement and cancellation.
    The Center for Self Leadership, Inc. (CSL) reserves the right to postpone, cancel or otherwise change any training program schedule prior to the beginning of its first weekend. At no time is CSL responsible for training students' travel, lodging, or incidental expenses. CSL reserves the right to substitute training staff whenever necessary without obligation to students enrolled in the training program.