Introductory and Advanced Workshops
Introductory workshops on the basic principle and methods of Internal Family Systems, as well as a wide variety of relevant and timely topics of interest to individuals, couples, agency administrators, graduate students, and the general professional public, are available through the Center and at many other independent locations. A national Workshop Calendar can be found on the website and is updated daily.
The Introductory Workshop
Workshops are offered in one- and two-day formats, and include didactic (50%) and live demonstrations, video examples of clinical sessions, and experiential exercises conducted in small groups with follow-up whole group processing.

Participants will learn:

  • the basic theory and principles of Internal Family Systems therapy;
  • how to access clients' Self - a core of compassion and other leadership qualities - and deal with "resistance" more effectively and with less effort;
  • how to help clients compassionately witness stories of pain and shame that are carried by their parts (subpersonalities);
  • how to become aware of their own parts and the ways they interfere with their therapy; and
  • how to be able to maintain Self-leadership with clients.

Introductory Workshop Topics:

  1. A systemic view of the mind and natural state of multiplicity
  2. Basic IFS concepts and language: the nature of Parts and the Self
  3. The three-group system of Parts: Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles
  4. Polarization and imbalance
  5. Basic IFS techniques
  6. Retrieval and unburdening
  7. Guidelines and warnings for safe use
Workshops for the Professional Public
Workshops are offered on a range of general topics of interest to the professional public, such as spiritual growth, holding Self leadership, couples, children and adolescents, and other timely and relevant public-interest issues. See the Intro/Public Workshop Calendar for workshop descriptions and registration information, as well as the Advanced Workshop Calendar. Registration fees depend on length of workshop, location, and staffing needs. Typically, registration fees run between $90 and $150/day.

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, and by the state of Oregon for social workers. For workshops not administered by the Center, or outside the state of Illinois, CEUs are generally available through the workshop host. Between 6-8 contact hours are awarded for a one-day workshop.

Workshop Calendar

A current calendar of workshop locations and details (dates, cost, contact information, etc.) can be found on the website under "Workshop Calendar." In some cases, a printer-friendly program brochure is available. Contact the Workshop Administrator for more details about cost, registration, etc.

More Information/Training

To find or schedule a workshop in your area, or for more information about other Internal Family Systems trainings, go to the website to find:

  • Outline of the Model
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Bibliography
  • Learning Resources
  • Trainings
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