About the Internal Family Systems Level 1 (Basic) Training Program
Since 1995, Internal Family Systems Training Programs have been completed by hundreds of mental and medical healthcare practitioners of the healing arts and sciences, students, pastoral counselors, business and academic professionals, dance and art therapists, bodyworkers, and a range of others from the professional public who were seeking personal and spiritual growth and community. Today, programs are being conducted throughout the U.S. and in Canada and Europe, and both students and seasoned practitioners can choose from a wide variety of ongoing basic and Level 2 (Advanced) Trainings and workshops, conferences, and retreats, as well as opportunities to become part of peer and consultation groups.
Training Format

In addition to thoroughly learning IFS theory and technique, students are invited to explore their own inner worlds in a safe, nurturing context. The staff for most programs includes a Senior Trainer and several Assistant Trainers and Program Assistants, so students receive close supervision and mentoring. Typically, training groups become supportive communities for intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth and learning.

Programs are held in pleasant and conducive training locations and meet for a total of 18 days over the course of one year, for a total of 108 contact hours. Format includes lecture, discussion, demonstration, experiential exercise, and small group supervision and practice. A Certificate of Completion is awarded. Students are not certified.

The program schedule/format may vary slightly from site to site. For more details, contact the Program Administrator listed on the website Level 1 (Basic) Training Program calendar.
Program Objectives

Students will learn to:

  • understand the conceptual base of the IFS model
  • apply basic and advanced IFS techniques to individuals,
    couples, children, families, and groups; and
  • take advantage of the opportunities the model offers for personal and professional development
Required Reading

Schwartz, RC (1995) Internal Family Systems Therapy, New York: Guilford Press, (800) 365-7006, ISBN 1-57230-272-0, $25; and Goulding, RA and Schwartz, RC (2002) The Mosaic Mind: Empowering the Tormented Selves of Child Abuse Survivors, Oak Park: Trailheads Publications, (773) 463-6634, ISBN 0-9721480-1-9, $28.

Additional/optional reading citations can be found in the Selected Bibliography on the website.
Tuition and Fees
Program tuition is $3,400  and room/board is extra for most programs. Program fees are $30 for application fee (non-refundable) and $53 for required textbooks. Contact the Program Administrator for more information.
Discount and Payment Plans
The Center offers a discount to full-time students and to THREE or more applicants who are accepted from the same agency. The Center also offers a range of payment plans on the net tuition balance (after program deposit has been paid). For programs not administered by the Center, contact the Program Administrator about discounts and payment plans.
Continuing Education
The Center for Self Leadership is approved by the State of Illinois to provide continuing education credit for LMFT, LCSW, LCPC, and IAODAPCA. For programs not administered by the Center, CEUs are generally available through the host site.  
Training Calendar
An Intensive Training Calendar can be found on the website, which includes information on training locations, dates, cost, contact numbers. In most cases, a printer-friendly program brochure also is available. For more details about a program in your area, contact the Program Administrator listed on the calendar.
How to Apply

Applications are made to a specific program by the posted application deadline. For programs administered by the Center, applications are requested in one complete package with the following:

  1. Application (found on website)
  2. Current resume/curriculum vitae
  3. $30 application fee (non-refundable)

Application procedures and deadlines vary from program to program. Contact the Program Administrator.

Postgraduate Opportunities
Graduates of the Training Program typically go on to take Level 2 (Advanced) Training at some level. Those interested in teaching may pursue a track to becoming an IFS trainer or assistant. Ongoing Level 2 (Advanced) Training programs, workshops, retreats, and other postgraduate opportunities are listed on the website calendars. For more information, contact the Program Administrator.
More Information

For more information about the Internal Family Systems Intensive Training Program, go to the website to find:

  • Calendar of Scheduled and Planned Programs
  • IFS Practitioner Directory of Training Program Graduates
  • IFS Store with Books, Tapes,  Training Resources
  • Training Staff Directory
  • Bibliography/Model Outline
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