Internal Family Systems Model - Course Details
Internal Family SystemsSM is at the forefront of a movement toward a more collaborative therapeutic approach that relies on clients’ intuitive wisdom. IFSSM is one of the fastest growing psychotherapeutic models in the field today, offering a clear, non-pathologising, and empowering view of human cognitive and emotional life. IFS provides a dynamic therapeutic approach that allows both therapist and client to enter a transformational relationship in which healing occurs.
The Internal Family Systems Model
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, LMFT, has been developing the IFS model over the past 25 years, with IFS now practiced by thousands of licensed therapists and other professionals throughout the United States and internationally. Mental health care professionals and others trained in the IFS model easily integrate it into a wide variety of practices using the unique methods IFS offers to create safe environments for clients to become Self-transforming. Internal Family Systems therapy is a simple yet sophisticated integration of psychology, spirituality, and intra-psychic and family systems theory that:
- works with couples, families, groups, and children
- effectively heals trauma
- is a client-led approach that respects each client’s pace and goals
- establishes a productive, trusting and collaborative partnership between therapist and client
- brings therapist and client into contact with the beauty and joy that lies beneath protectiveness
- helps therapists remain centered and open-hearted
The Training Program
In addition to thoroughly learning IFS theory and technique, the Internal Family Systems Level 1 Training Program invites participants to explore their own inner worlds in a safe, nurturing context. Participants will:
- understand the conceptual base of the IFS model
- apply basic IFS techniques to various clinical populations
- take advantage of the opportunities IFS offers for personal development
Learning Objectives: For a complete listing of learning objectives for each session, please contact The Institute for Continuing Education.
Format
Level 1
The Level 1 format includes lecture, discussion, demonstration, video review, experiential exercise, and small group supervision and practice. Three 5-day sessions over the course of about a year total 15 days of training. Participants will be fully supported by The Lead Trainer for the session, an Assistant Trainer and Assistants who have already previously completed at least level 2 of the training
Certification of Completion
A Certificate of Completion is awarded, and a participant must complete the vast majority of training offered in order to be eligible to earn a certificate. Participants are not certified unless they successfully complete the new IFS certification process.
- 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.
The Trainers
Susan McConnell has taught IFS throughout the US and in Europe (including the UK) since 1997. Her involvement as Senior Trainer with the Center for Self Leadership includes developing training curricula, training IFS training staff, and designing and leading somatic psychotherapy retreats and seminars. In her private practice in Chicago, Susan specializes in recovering the wholeness of body, mind and spirit, drawing from her bodywork and movement experience and her Buddhist practice. She brings commitment and passion to her work and her play with her partner and her dogs along Lake Michigan's shores.
Michael Elkin is founder and director of the Center for Collaborative Solutions in Newton and Salem MA. He has been practicing therapy for over thirty years, and has presented training workshops throughout the US and in many other countries. He has developed innovative ways of understanding and treating addictive and compulsive behaviour, and is currently most interested in the building and maintenance of successful relationships. His is the author of Families Under the Influence, and several articles.
To Apply
Who should apply: Both therapists and non-therapists are invited to apply. For example:
- Mental and medical health care practitioners in the healing arts and sciences
- Counsellors
- Business and academic professionals
- Masters or doctoral students
- Dance and art therapists
- Bodyworkers
- Hakomi Practitioners
- Those from the professional public seeking personal and spiritual growth Anyone seeking a community of like-minded professionals
Texts
You are required to read two textbooks before the training begins:
Schwartz, RC (1995) Internal Family Systems Therapy, New York: Guilford Press, (800) 365-7006, ISBN 1-57230-272-0; Goulding, RA and Schwartz, RC (2002). Available through Amazon.co.uk or other bookstores.
The Mosaic Mind: Empowering the Tormented Selves of Child Abuse Survivors, Oak Park IL: Trailheads Publications, The Center for Self Leadership, ISBN 0-9721480-1-9. Available at The Center for Self Leadership website store.
Additional Reading: Schwartz, RC (2001) Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model, Oak Park IL: Trailheads Publications, The Center for Self Leadership, ISBN 0-97211480-0-0. Available at The Center for Self Leadership website store.
It is strongly recommended that all students read Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model prior to the first class weekend. It is required reading for students with no prior experience with the IFS model. Class content is designed around the assumption that the reading is completed. For further reading and study, a selected bibliography is available on CSL website.
Tution Fees
Participants will need to commit to all three training sessions (15 days in total). Course tuition is £1850. This is the earlybird rate and applicable if meeting both payment dates below. An additional payment of £300 will be applied after these dates. Room and board are not included. Payment dates: - A £950 deposit is charged upon acceptance and payable by April 2013. Flexible payment plans are available for the balance but full payment should be made by 1 June 2013. Contact Ginny for more information.
The deposit is non refundable and the full fee is still payable in the event of withdrawal from the training
Special Needs / Assistance
Please let Ginny or Nicola know if you have any special needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.Directions/Parking
The course are held at Broomhill Methodist Church.
Please request a set of directions and parking information if needed. The entrance to the venue is by the back entrance on Ashgate Road. There is some parking at the venue but cars can also be safely left on nearby Sale Hill.
Meals
Snacks and drinks are provided at the venue. Participants also have the use of a small kitchen. There are many affordable and pleasant cafes/restaurants close to the venue in Broomhill.
Accommodation
The courses are non-residential so please look at our list of Accommodation close to the venue
To reserve a place apply here. For further information please e-mail Ginny Bennett or call her on 0114 2353636.