How do I find out if there’s a program in my area?

The Center maintains TRAINING CALENDARS on its website, www.selfleadership.org. Because trainings are being added all the time, it’s impossible to keep our written literature current. Instead, we rely on the website calendars to inform the vast network of therapists, social workers, counselors, and others who either have had, or are seeking, programs and workshops in IFS. To find a Training Program in your area, go to the home page of the website and click on “Basic (Level 1) Training Programs.” There you’ll find general information about the Internal Family Systems Model and the Training Program, as well as calendars (arranged by geo-region) and answers to some frequently-asked questions. Calendars also contain printer-friendly brochures for most programs. Feel free to contact the Center at IFSCSL@aol.com if you need more information about a program, or the Program Administrator listed on the calendar.

What does the program cost?

Program tuition for the one-year training ranges from $3,200 to 3,400 per year, depending on location and staffing needs. Typically a deposit is required upfront, which is applied to total tuition, and payment plans are available for the balance. Some programs offer user-friendly plans that run the entire length of the program. Program fees for most programs include a $30 non-refundable application fee and $53 for required textbooks, and for some programs include payment plan carrying fees. Programs administered by the Center offer tuition discounts to full-time students and 3+ from the same agency in the amount of 10%.

Because each site administers its own program, costs and fees may vary. Contact the Program Administrator listed on the Training Program Calendar.

How do I apply?

Applications are made to a specific program by the application deadline. Application instructions, deadlines, and contact information are posted on the Training Program Calendar.

For programs administered by the Center, applications are requested in one complete package, including: (1) cover letter/statement of reasons you are applying to the program and your previous experience/training in IFS; (2) a current resume; (3) three professional letters of reference; and (4) $30 application fee. Applications are reviewed by Dr. Schwartz, and applicants notified of their acceptance. Upon acceptance, a program deposit of $500 is due, and additional information about the program, training site, payment plan options, etc. will be provided. Feel free to contact the Center at any time regarding the status of your application.

Maximum enrollment is 26, and a minimum of 15-18 is required to run a program. If a program doesn’t fill by the second start date, applicants will be invited to sign up on a Waiting List until the program can be filled and scheduled. To find Waiting Lists in your area, go to the website home page or the training program calendars.

Can I get CEUs?

The Center has been approved by the state of Illinois to provide continuing education credit for LMFT, LCSW, LCPC, and IAODAPCA. Thousands of people have attended IFS workshops and events world-wide, and individuals and agencies that have sought CEUs from their own state licensing boards have never reported any problems with reciprocity. Because each site administers its own CEUs, in most cases this is not an issue. Contact your own licensing board if you have any doubts

Can I apply to the program if I’m a business professional without a therapy or counseling background?

The majority of the hundreds of people who have taken the training program are social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. The remainder of the graduate pool is comprised of medical healthcare professionals (MD, RN, PT), dance and art therapists, bodyworkers, academic and business professionals, and a broad range of others from the professional public who were seeking personal and spiritual growth and community.

If you’re interested in the training program and are still wondering if it’s a good fit, we urge you to take a one- or two-day introductory workshop and/or do some reading in Internal Family Systems Therapy. You will find both a Workshop Calendar and Selected Bibliography on the website. If you’re still unsure, please let us know. We can possibly connect you with one of the training staff or a program graduate who will try to answer your questions.

Will I be certified in IFS upon completion of the program?

The Training Program was designed to teach basic skills and methodologies of the IFS model and process, and in no way certifies, measures, or examines a student’s knowledge, skill level, or competency. Ultimate responsibility for skill development and Self leadership rest solely with the student.

At graduation, students are presented with a professional certificate signed by Dr. Schwartz attesting to their completion of program requirements, which are based on a number of factors, including attendance, participation, and demonstration of Self leadership. Students are encouraged to seek additional trainings and professional supervision, and to take advantage of the continuing education programs offered by the Center and IFS practitioners.

Will Dr. Schwartz himself lead any of the training weekends?

Despite heavy demands on his schedule, Dick Schwartz has managed to stay involved in most, if not all, the training programs. While his involvement varies according to what he believes the group and staff needs are for a particular program, he typically will lead one to three training sessions, barring other unavoidable schedule conflicts. If you’d like to know who the training staff for a particular program is, go to the Training Program Calendar, or contact the Program Administrator.