IFS Certification is HERE!
The IFS Certification process is available now. Click the link below to learn how to become an IFS Certified therapist or practitioner.
IFS Certification

Welcome to The Center for Self Leadership’s Website!


Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Founder, Internal Family Systems

The Center for Self Leadership is excited to welcome you to this website. We invite you to explore its new features and, most importantly, to learn about CSL and the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy. Now you can apply online for IFS training programs and conferences and join our mailing list. In addition, trainers and practitioners can update their own profiles whenever necessary. We hope you enjoy your visit and encourage you to return often!

About the Internal Family Systems Model of Psychotherapy

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy offers a clear, non-pathologizing, and empowering method of understanding human problems, as well as an innovative and enriching philosophy of practice that invites both therapist and client to enter into a transformational relationship in which healing can occur.

Click here to read Dr. Schwartz’s article “The Larger Self,” his inspiring first-hand account of how he developed and uses the IFS model and the extraordinary, transformative effect it has on him and his clients.

About The Center for Self Leadership

The Center for Self Leadership is dedicated to the healing transformation of lives and cultures and serves as a critical link between therapeutic professionals and the wider community. CSL provides a variety of learning opportunities for mental health and human services practitioners, medical and bodywork professionals, students of the healing arts and sciences, and anyone who seeks a profound personal growth experience by offering:

• Level 1, 2 and 3 training programs in the Internal Family Systems model
• Internal Family Systems conferences and special events
• Speaking engagements featuring IFS and CSL founder, Dr. Richard C. Schwartz
• An online bookstore and directory of IFS practitioners

Words of Wisdom

From a Client: "IFS has given me the power to understand myself and others, and to accept and love who I am and the people who matter most to me."

From Dr. Richard C. Schwartz: "IFS is more than a therapeutic technique. It is a conceptual framework and practice for developing love for ourselves and each other."

Internal Family Systems Story


Video Interviews with Lead Trainers

Free Informational Teleconference Open Houses for Training

New Group Discounts Available for Trainings!

See the Training FAQ page for details.

Level 1 Trainings

Training ProgramTraining Program Schedule
Asheville, NC (205)

2009:  September 18-20; November 13-15
2010:  January 29-31; March 12-14; May 7-9; June 11-13

Atlanta, GA (167)

2009:  July 24-26; September 25-27; November 20-22
2010:  January 29-31; March 5-7; April 30-May 2

Atlanta, GA (191)

2010: Aug 27-29, Nov 12-14
2011: Jan 14-16, Mar 11-13, May 13-15, Jul 15-17

Boston, MA Area (168)

2009: October 9-11; December 4-6
2010: January 29-31; March 26-28; May 21-23; July 16-18

Boston, MA Area (177)

2010:  April 16-18; June 18-20; September 24-26; November 12-14
2011:  January 21-23; March 25-27

Boston, MA Area (182)

2010: October 8-10; December 17-19
2011: February 11-13; April 15-17; June 24-26; September 23-25

Boston, MA Area (202)

2011: May 20-22, July 15-17, Oct 14-16, Dec 9-11
2012: Feb 24-26, April 20-22

Central CT (187)

2009: September 11-13; November 13-15
2010: January 15-17; February 26-28; April 16-18; June 25-27

Chicago, IL (169)

2009:  October 2-4; November 20-22
2010:  January 22-24; March 12-14; May 14-16; July 9-11

Chicago, IL (179)

2010:  July 30-August 1; October 1-3; December 3-5
2011:  January 28-30; April 1-3; June 10-12

New York Metro Area (178)

This Training Starts Soon - Apply Now!
2010: April 9-11; June 25-27; August 6-8; October 15-17; December 3-5
2011: January 28-30
Richard C. Schwartz Leads the December 2010 Weekend!

Retreat-Style, North Carolina and Maine (208)

Applications Now Being Accepted!
On Site Session 1:  June 27-July 2, 2010
Telecourse Session 1: July 26, 2010, 7-9pm Eastern
Telecourse Session 2: Sept 13, 2010, 7-9 pm Eastern
On Site Session 2: October 8-13, 2010

San Francisco, CA Area (180)

2010: April 9-11, June 4-6, Sept 24-26, Nov 19-21
2011: Jan 14-16, March 11-13

St. Louis, MO (186)

2009:  December 11-13
2010:  February 19-21, May 21-23, July 23-25, October 1-3, November 19-21

Stockholm, Sweden (189)

2009:  August 30-September 2; November 12-14 and November 16-18;
2010:  March 6-10

Washington, DC Area (170)

2009:  July 10-12, September 11-13, November 6-8
2010:  January 8-10, March 12-14, May 14-16

Module 1 and 2 Trainings - A New Approach to Level 1 & 2 Trainings