Step by Step Guide to Internal Family Systems Therapy: IFS Therapy for Deep Healing with Richard Schwartz

Full Course Description

Internal Family Systems Step By Step - Session 1

DESCRIPTION:

Session 1 – Introduction to IFS
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
AN overview of how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy achieves balance and harmony within the internal system. A key to accomplishing this is recognizing the difference between parts and Self and elevating the Self to an effective leadership position. When the Self is in the lead, the parts will provide input while respecting the leadership and ultimate decision-making of the Self. This session covers:

• The evolution of IFS
• The differences between parts and Self    
• How to work with Protectors and Exiles—two of the most common parts
• The importance of permission in parts work
• What makes the IFS approach unique
    
Session 2 – From Emotion to Integration: Clinical Demo & Analysis I
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
•    Identifying Parts—the First Steps 
•    Unblending Parts from Self
•    Negotiating with protector through direct access
•    Strategies for Working with Exiles
•    Dealing with the fear of overwhelm

Session 3 — From Emotion to Integration: Clinical Demo & Analysis II
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
•    Getting permission from parts
•    Befriending fearful protectors
•    Witnessing the loneliness of the exile 
•    Caring for the Exile
•    Integrating Positive Qualities
•    Indications and Counter-Indications for IFS

OUTLINE:

Understanding Parts & Self in IFS
•    Parts are sub-personalities that interact internally in sequences and styles that are similar to the ways that people interact.
•    It is the nature of the mind to be subdivided.  
•    All parts are valuable and want to have a positive role.  
•    Parts become extreme and can be destructive because of life experiences.
•    Self is a different level of entity than the parts.
•    Self is the seat of consciousness. It is invisible because it is the observing  “you”.
•    The Self contains qualities like compassion, confidence, curiosity, and perspective—the qualities of good leadership.  
•    The Self can be obscured by the extremes of parts.

The Basic Goals of IFS
•    Releasing parts from their extreme roles so they can find and adopt their preferred, valuable roles.
•    DIfferentiating client’s Self from parts so Self can help harmonize and balance the inner and outer life.

Working with Exile Parts  

•    Exiles are young, vulnerable parts that have experiences trauma and are isolated from the rest of the system for their own and the system’s protection.  
•    Exiles carry the memories, sensations, and emotions of past events and are stuck in the past.
•    Exiles are easily flooded, so you need a calm, reassuring environment to approach. 

Working with Protector Parts  

Parts that run the day-to-day life of the person trying to keep exiles exiled by staying in control of events or relationships, being perfect and pleasing, caretaking, scaring the person out of taking risks by criticizing, apathy, worry, etc.
Firefighters: Parts that react when exiles are activated in an effort to extinguish their feelings or dissociate the person from them.  Common firefighter activities include: drug or alcohol use, self mutilation (cutting), binge-eating, sex binges, suicidal ideation, and rage.  They have the same goals as managers (to keep exiles away), but different, more impulsive strategies.

Case Study: Working with Protectors and Exiles—Two of the Most Common Parts  
•    Identifying Parts—the First Steps 
•    Unblending Parts from Self
•    Negotiating with protectors through direct access
•    With permission of protectors, begin working with exiles – witnessing,     retrievals and unburdening.
•    Strategies for Working with Exiles
•    Throughout the process, keep your parts from interfering.

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Program Information

Target Audience

Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Case Managers, Addiction Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Nurses, and other Mental Health Professionals

Objectives

1. Demonstrate the importance of the Three-Group Model of Common Parts in the clinical applications of IFS.
2. Distinguish the differences between parts and Self and how it relates to clients.
3. Analyze the step-by-step process of unblending the Self from parts.
4. Demonstrate IFS’s unique approach to managing flooding and dissociation.
5. Demonstrate the process a therapist must take when a client begins to dissociate during IFS work.
6. Debate which parts take priority in the IFS process.

Internal Family Systems Step By Step Session 2

DESCRIPTION:

Session 1 – Introduction to IFS
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
AN overview of how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy achieves balance and harmony within the internal system. A key to accomplishing this is recognizing the difference between parts and Self and elevating the Self to an effective leadership position. When the Self is in the lead, the parts will provide input while respecting the leadership and ultimate decision-making of the Self. This session covers:
• The evolution of IFS
• The differences between parts and Self    
• How to work with Protectors and Exiles—two of the most common parts
• The importance of permission in parts work
• What makes the IFS approach unique
    
Session 2 – From Emotion to Integration: Clinical Demo & Analysis I
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
•    Identifying Parts—the First Steps 
•    Unblending Parts from Self
•    Negotiating with protector through direct access
•    Strategies for Working with Exiles
•    Dealing with the fear of overwhelm

Session 3 — From Emotion to Integration: Clinical Demo & Analysis II
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
•    Getting permission from parts
•    Befriending fearful protectors
•    Witnessing the loneliness of the exile 
•    Caring for the Exile
•    Integrating Positive Qualities
•    Indications and Counter-Indications for IFS

OUTLINE:

Understanding Parts & Self in IFS
•    Parts are sub-personalities that interact internally in sequences and styles that are similar to the ways that people interact.
•    It is the nature of the mind to be subdivided.  
•    All parts are valuable and want to have a positive role.  
•    Parts become extreme and can be destructive because of life experiences.
•    Self is a different level of entity than the parts.
•    Self is the seat of consciousness. It is invisible because it is the observing  “you”.
•    The Self contains qualities like compassion, confidence, curiosity, and perspective—the qualities of good leadership.  
•    The Self can be obscured by the extremes of parts.

The Basic Goals of IFS
•    Releasing parts from their extreme roles so they can find and adopt their preferred, valuable roles.
•    DIfferentiating client’s Self from parts so Self can help harmonize and balance the inner and outer life.

Working with Exile Parts  

•    Exiles are young, vulnerable parts that have experiences trauma and are isolated from the rest of the system for their own and the system’s protection.  
•    Exiles carry the memories, sensations, and emotions of past events and are stuck in the past.
•    Exiles are easily flooded, so you need a calm, reassuring environment to approach. 

Working with Protector Parts  

Parts that run the day-to-day life of the person trying to keep exiles exiled by staying in control of events or relationships, being perfect and pleasing, caretaking, scaring the person out of taking risks by criticizing, apathy, worry, etc.
Firefighters: Parts that react when exiles are activated in an effort to extinguish their feelings or dissociate the person from them.  Common firefighter activities include: drug or alcohol use, self mutilation (cutting), binge-eating, sex binges, suicidal ideation, and rage.  They have the same goals as managers (to keep exiles away), but different, more impulsive strategies.

Case Study: Working with Protectors and Exiles—Two of the Most Common Parts  
•    Identifying Parts—the First Steps 
•    Unblending Parts from Self
•    Negotiating with protectors through direct access
•    With permission of protectors, begin working with exiles – witnessing,     retrievals and unburdening.
•    Strategies for Working with Exiles
•    Throughout the process, keep your parts from interfering.

Program Information

Objectives

1. Demonstrate the importance of the Three-Group Model of Common Parts in the clinical applications of IFS.
2. Distinguish the differences between parts and Self and how it relates to clients.
3. Analyze the step-by-step process of unblending the Self from parts.
4. Demonstrate IFS’s unique approach to managing flooding and dissociation.
5. Demonstrate the process a therapist must take when a client begins to dissociate during IFS work.
6. Debate which parts take priority in the IFS process.

Internal Family Systems Step By Step Session 3

DESCRIPTION:

Session 1 – Introduction to IFS
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
AN overview of how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy achieves balance and harmony within the internal system. A key to accomplishing this is recognizing the difference between parts and Self and elevating the Self to an effective leadership position. When the Self is in the lead, the parts will provide input while respecting the leadership and ultimate decision-making of the Self. This session covers:
• The evolution of IFS
• The differences between parts and Self    
• How to work with Protectors and Exiles—two of the most common parts
• The importance of permission in parts work
• What makes the IFS approach unique
    
Session 2 – From Emotion to Integration: Clinical Demo & Analysis I
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
•    Identifying Parts—the First Steps 
•    Unblending Parts from Self
•    Negotiating with protector through direct access
•    Strategies for Working with Exiles
•    Dealing with the fear of overwhelm

Session 3 — From Emotion to Integration: Clinical Demo & Analysis II
Richard Simon, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
•    Getting permission from parts
•    Befriending fearful protectors
•    Witnessing the loneliness of the exile 
•    Caring for the Exile
•    Integrating Positive Qualities
•    Indications and Counter-Indications for IFS

OUTLINE:

Understanding Parts & Self in IFS
•    Parts are sub-personalities that interact internally in sequences and styles that are similar to the ways that people interact.
•    It is the nature of the mind to be subdivided.  
•    All parts are valuable and want to have a positive role.  
•    Parts become extreme and can be destructive because of life experiences.
•    Self is a different level of entity than the parts.
•    Self is the seat of consciousness. It is invisible because it is the observing  “you”.
•    The Self contains qualities like compassion, confidence, curiosity, and perspective—the qualities of good leadership.  
•    The Self can be obscured by the extremes of parts.

The Basic Goals of IFS
•    Releasing parts from their extreme roles so they can find and adopt their preferred, valuable roles.
•    DIfferentiating client’s Self from parts so Self can help harmonize and balance the inner and outer life.

Working with Exile Parts  

•    Exiles are young, vulnerable parts that have experiences trauma and are isolated from the rest of the system for their own and the system’s protection.  
•    Exiles carry the memories, sensations, and emotions of past events and are stuck in the past.
•    Exiles are easily flooded, so you need a calm, reassuring environment to approach. 

Working with Protector Parts  

Parts that run the day-to-day life of the person trying to keep exiles exiled by staying in control of events or relationships, being perfect and pleasing, caretaking, scaring the person out of taking risks by criticizing, apathy, worry, etc.
Firefighters: Parts that react when exiles are activated in an effort to extinguish their feelings or dissociate the person from them.  Common firefighter activities include: drug or alcohol use, self mutilation (cutting), binge-eating, sex binges, suicidal ideation, and rage.  They have the same goals as managers (to keep exiles away), but different, more impulsive strategies.

Case Study: Working with Protectors and Exiles—Two of the Most Common Parts  
•    Identifying Parts—the First Steps 
•    Unblending Parts from Self
•    Negotiating with protectors through direct access
•    With permission of protectors, begin working with exiles – witnessing,     retrievals and unburdening.
•    Strategies for Working with Exiles
•    Throughout the process, keep your parts from interfering.

Program Information

Objectives

1. Demonstrate the importance of the Three-Group Model of Common Parts in the clinical applications of IFS.
2. Distinguish the differences between parts and Self and how it relates to clients.
3. Analyze the step-by-step process of unblending the Self from parts.
4. Demonstrate IFS’s unique approach to managing flooding and dissociation.
5. Demonstrate the process a therapist must take when a client begins to dissociate during IFS work.
6. Debate which parts take priority in the IFS process.

Dick Schwartz Answers Your Questions about IFS

Recorded Q&A call with Dick Schwartz and Rich Simon. Covers attendees specific questions about the Internal Family Systems model, the clinical demonstration, and how IFS can be integrated into clinical practice.

Outline

• Richard Schwartz answers your questions.
• Intro to call
• Questions of the IFS
• Summary of Call

Program Information

Target Audience

Addiction Counselors, Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers

Outline

• Richard Schwartz answers your questions.
• Intro to call
• Questions of the IFS
• Summary of Call

Objectives

1. Evaluate the Internal Family Systems model, the clinical demonstrations, and how IFS can help you in your practice.

The Myth of Unitary Self: A Dialogue on the Multiplicity of Mind with Daniel Siegel, MD and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.

Defining someone through a single diagnostic label-he’s a depressive, she’s a borderline, etc.-is at best misleading, and at worst a distortion of what it means to be human. Neuroscience, social psychology, and artificial intelligence all agree that each of us consists of a multiplicity of identities that account for the richness and complexity of the human experience. In other words, no one is a “unitary” self. At the same time, there’s more than one way to use this knowledge to elicit therapeutic healing, self-awareness, and growth. This workshop will showcase how two noted psychotherapists bring the concept of multiplicity into their therapeutic work.

Program Information

Objectives

1. Assess how to help clients not over-identify with a single part of themselves, and empower them to move beyond the diagnostic labels they feel define them
2. Evaluate the concept of mindsight and how an enhanced ability to perceive the workings of one’s own mind can lead to greater levels of personal integration
3. Assess the distinction between the Self and one’s parts and how it can help clients develop a capacity for self-leadership and self-regulation
4. Communicate the practical similarities and differences between two widely influential models of personality and change

Outline

Brief overview of interpersonal neurobiology

• Presentation of using interpersonal to look at “triangle” of human experience - relationships, body and mind
  • False goals of “unitary” self
  • Integrated identity that makes up one’s “self”

Internal Family System (IFS) view of multiplicity

• Presentation of IFS outlook of multiple parts within the person
  • Healing oneself internally through parts Eight “C” word qualities of self that aid in healing: curiosity, confidence, calm, compassion, creativity, clarity, connectedness and courage.

Discussion between presenters Daniel Siegel and Richard Schwartz on how to bring the concept of multiplicity into therapy

• Helping client not over-identify with single part
• Distinction between the self and the parts
• Similarities and Differences between neurobiology and IFS

Exercise to overcome emotional obstacles
Concluding discussion between speakers

• Case examples of multiplicity in psychotherapy
• Techniques to use neurobiology and IFS within therapy sessions

Audience question and answer session with speakers

Target Audience

Addiction Counselors, Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, and other Mental Health Professionals

The Inner Game of Psychotherapy

Outline

Family therapist, Richard Schwartz introduces the concept of Internal Family System (IFS)- a clear, systematic methodology for helping clients heal themselves.
A basic premise of IFS is that the “Inner Self” is not a single, monolithic persona, but in fact, a complex Internal Family System (IFS) of different parts-or sub-personalities-each with its own sometimes antagonistic memories, viewpoints, desires, and agendas.
Understanding IFS Parts

• They are sub-personalities or aspects of our personality that interact internally in sequences and styles that are similar to the ways that people interact
• All parts are valuable and want to have a positive role
• Parts become extreme and can be destructive because of life experiences

Three most common roles played by internal parts

• Exiles. Young, vulnerable parts that have experiences trauma and are isolated from the rest of the system for their own and the system’s protection. Exiles carry the memories, sensations, and emotions of the events and are stuck in the past
• Managers. Parts that run the day-to-day life of the person trying to keep exiles exiled by staying in control of events or relationships, being perfect and pleasing, caretaking, scaring the person out of taking risks by criticizing, apathy, worry, etc.
• Firefighters. Parts that react when exiles are activated in an effort to extinguish their feelings or dissociate the person from them. Common firefighter activities include: drug or alcohol use, self mutilation (cutting), binge-eating, sex binges, suicidal ideation, and rage. Firefighters have the same goals as managers (to keep exiles away), but different, more impulsive strategies

Understand the Self in IFS

• The Self is a different level of entity than the parts
• It is the seat of consciousness-sometimes called the “observing self.”
• In IFS, the Self is known to contain qualities like compassion, confidence, curiosity, and perspective

Basic Goals of IFS:

• To release parts from their extreme roles so they can find and adopt their preferred, valuable roles
• To differentiate client’s Self so Self can help harmonize and balance a client’s inner and outer life

Introduction of case study: a clinical video demo using IFS with a client who has a history of complex developmental trauma
Video illustrates the key steps in the IFS model:

• Assess the client’s external system to make sure it is safe to do work
• Introduce IFS language to client
• Ask what client would like to change
• Explore the roles and relationships among prominent internal parts
• Identify and work with managers first
• Ask about and defuse any dangerous firefighters
• With permission of managers, begin working with exiles
• Notice how the client’s deeper Self-characterized by confidence, compassion, and wisdom-emerges during the process
• Observe the Core Self assume a leadership role in integrating conflicted and disowned inner parts
• Throughout the process, notice how the therapist keeps his own parts from interfering

Program Information

Objectives

1. Use 3 protocols of IFS therapy and how to apply them when working with clients who have complex developmental trauma.