Downtown Toronto YWCA 
87 Elm Street Toronto,
Nancy Auditorium

The Internal Family Systems model offers a new, empowering paradigm both for healing trauma and for helping couples. Often one cannot be done without the other—i.e. couples cannot connect lastingly unless they each heal their inner wounds and effective work with trauma clients often involves factoring in their partners or considerations of how to engage in relationships.

Many of the impasses couples face are the result of a set of cultural beliefs about each other. We have all been taught that our romantic partner should end our misery and make us feel happy and alive. When he or she doesn’t we wonder if they’re the right one or if there’s something wrong with us.
The clients who come to see us are victims of this set of beliefs and feel discouraged because they don’t realize that no partner is capable of keeping our heads above the pools of pain and shame we bring to our intimate relationships caused by the traumas we suffered earlier in life; be they capital “T” traumas or the more common and familiar experiences of shame that may be engendered by unsupported problematic life events. They also don’t realize that they have the power to drain those pools and become the primary caretakers for the young, needy parts of them that are drowning in those pools.

Once this inner shift is achieved, partners can love each other courageously and unconditionally because they don’t need the other to always do the heavy lifting of their spirits. Released from being each others primary emotional caretaker, they can revel in the freedom that comes with being the secondary one, and be relieved from the distress that can result from their partner’s periodic unavailability.

In this workshop we will first focus on the healing of severe trauma and sexual abuse, emphasizing how to help clients trust it is safe to go to the parts of them that carry the traumatic memories and emotions without being overwhelmed and how to safely unload the extreme emotions and beliefs those parts carry. Then we will explore how this healing work can be done in the context of couple’s therapy, and/or how individuals in relationship can learn how to attend to their own parts and communicate their inner reality in a way that engages their partner and breaks the habitual blame/shame dynamics that are characteristic of a personality system led by protective parts.

Cost: $225

William James College

June 15, 2018

There are clients you love working with—you look forward to seeing them and admire their courage. You are consistently in a state of loving kindness with them and their sense of that is a big element in their healing.  Then there are the clients that get to you. They are passive, or angry, uncooperative or resistant. They see you through distorted lens or engage in dangerous behaviors. You sense that your strong reactions to them are not that useful but you can’t help it. You find yourself getting into power struggles or dreading their sessions and feeling impotent. Actually those clients are your best teachers—your tor-mentors—because they bring up in you what you need to heal. IFS offers a unique and effective approach both to handling such “countertransference,” and helping you access and maintain an open-hearted, confident, calm and curious presence with clients throughout their treatment. This presence—what IFS calls Self-energy—is healing in and of itself. Your ability to hold this presence will help clients regardless of your therapeutic approach. Correspondingly, when you lose this presence it your clients will sense it and will suffer for it.  In this workshop I will not only discuss in depth this process but through exercises and videos you will be able to see and experience it in action. This ability to remain Self-led with all your clients will make you love being a therapist.

1. Doctoral Level Professional. $225.00

   Masters Level Professional. $195.00

   Fellow/Intern/Student/Unemployed/Retired Professional $115.00

New York Open Center

June 23rd, 2018

Internal Family Systems is one of the fastest growing and most innovative approaches to psychotherapy. IFS offers a way to understand and work with clients that helps them quickly access their Self—a core of valuable leadership qualities, such as compassion, to face life challenges—and harmonize their internal family of “parts,” or sub-personalities. 

In this workshop—focusing on IFS’s approach to treating trauma—we will be introduced to the basic theory and principles of IFS therapy, and learn how to:

·      Help clients access their “Self”

·      Deal with client resistance, transference and counter transference more effectively

·      Repair attachment injuries from past relationships

·      Identify the effects of trauma and utilize the IFS model in treating trauma

·      Gain an awareness of our own sub-personalities and how they impact our therapeutic work

Members $140

Hosted by Therapy Training Boston

July 17, 2018

This presentation will provide a brief review of the basics of the IFS model by Richard Schwartz, PhD, who developed the model, then will focus in detail on its use with attachment and trauma. IFS is a non-pathologizing, hopeful framework within which to practice psychotherapy now certified as an evidence-based practice by SAMHSA. IFS offers both a conceptual umbrella under which a variety of practices and different approaches can be grounded and guided, and a set of original techniques for creating safety and fostering Self-to-Self connection in individuals, couples and families.
​
The first day of the workshop will focus on helping clients release personal burdens related to traumatic experiences in their lives. An overview of the clinical applications of IFS in trauma work will be presented. You will learn through didactic teaching, interactive dialogue, demonstration and live interviews. 

During the second day, the focus will be on understanding and releasing legacy burdens. Legacy burdens are powerful organizers of our minds and behaviors. You will be become more aware of the beliefs and emotions we and our clients absorb from family, peers, ethnic groups and cultural contexts regarding ourselves and/or groups with whom we identify, as well as groups we consider “other.”  We will explore the sources of those burdens and the fears of releasing them. This work is critically important to create more peace and less divisiveness in our often fractured world.

New to this workshop, Dr. Schwartz will spend time focusing on how to support Self led activism. Dr. Schwartz will lay the foundation for and demonstrate how to work with personal and legacy burdens that get triggered in the context of political conflict and unrest. We will learn to work with what gets in the way of everyone's innate abilities to be an effective advocate, ally and activist. This will support our work as clinicians and citizens.

Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems SM, in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves.  He focused on the systemic relationships patterns among these parts that were similarly organized across clients.  He found that when clients’ parts felt safe and were allowed to relax, they would experience spontaneously the qualities of confidence, openness, and compassion that Dr. Schwartz came to call the Self.  He will show us how to support clients in that state of Self, to facilitate their healing of their own parts.

Schedule for Day 1

9: 00 - 10:30     Overview of IFS Theory and Principles
10:30 - 10:45    Break
10:45 - 12:30    Definition of Self in IFS terms and Ways to Access Self of the Client Even in the Face of Trauma
12:30 - 1:30       Lunch
1:30 - 3:00         Using the Client’s Self to Repair Attachment Injuries
3:30 - 3:15         Break
3:15 - 4:30        The IFS Model as an Internal Attachment Model

​Schedule for Day 2

9: 00 - 10:30     The Effects of Legacy Trauma on Parts and Self
10:30 - 10:45    Break
10:45 - 12:30    Using the IFS Model to Treat Legacy Burdens
12:30 - 1:30       Lunch
1:30 - 3:00         Explore the Sources of Burdens and Fears
3:30 - 3:15         Break
3:15 - 4:30        Identify Strategies for Releasing Burdens and Fears
4:30 - 4:45       Completion of workshop evaluation

​Learning Objectives

1.     Participants will be able to identify the basic theory and principles of Internal Family Systems therapy as they apply to working with trauma

2.     Participants will be able to recognize the IFS model as an internal attachment model including being able to identify the parallels between external and internal attachment styles

3.     Participants will be able to identify the effects of trauma on parts and Self including having ideas about how utilize the model in releasing personal trauma and legacy burdens

​Target Audience

This learning event is designed for helping professionals including, but not limited to, social workers, psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage & family therapists, and nurses. We design the learning methodology to further develop beginning, intermediate, and advanced helping professionals by supporting improvement of skills for direct practice, supervision, and management positions. People who attend from professions other than those we are able to provide CEs for may request a Certificate of Attendance.

Individual Registration: $370, $350 early registration, received by 5/31/18. Group Registration: $350 per person for groups of two or more, $330 per person early registration for groups of two or more, received by 5/31/18.
PLEASE NOTE: Groups must register and pay together to receive the discount. Registration includes morning coffee and tea, snacks and lunch both days. ​
Contact us for discounted fee of $330 for members of Clinicians United. 

​Diversity discounts are available for 10 participants. The goal of the discount is to support access to training in the IFS model for clinicians of color and others who are members of marginalized groups. Diversity rates are 20% off regular, early bird or group rates. Please contact us for registration code to access discount. No application is required.

Hosted by Therapy Training Boston 

July 17, 2018

This presentation will provide a brief review of the basics of the IFS model by Richard Schwartz, PhD, who developed the model, then will focus in detail on its use with attachment and trauma. IFS is a non-pathologizing, hopeful framework within which to practice psychotherapy now certified as an evidence-based practice by SAMHSA. IFS offers both a conceptual umbrella under which a variety of practices and different approaches can be grounded and guided, and a set of original techniques for creating safety and fostering Self-to-Self connection in individuals, couples and families.
​
The first day of the workshop will focus on helping clients release personal burdens related to traumatic experiences in their lives. An overview of the clinical applications of IFS in trauma work will be presented. You will learn through didactic teaching, interactive dialogue, demonstration and live interviews. 

During the second day, the focus will be on understanding and releasing legacy burdens. Legacy burdens are powerful organizers of our minds and behaviors. You will be become more aware of the beliefs and emotions we and our clients absorb from family, peers, ethnic groups and cultural contexts regarding ourselves and/or groups with whom we identify, as well as groups we consider “other.”  We will explore the sources of those burdens and the fears of releasing them. This work is critically important to create more peace and less divisiveness in our often fractured world.

New to this workshop, Dr. Schwartz will spend time focusing on how to support Self led activism. Dr. Schwartz will lay the foundation for and demonstrate how to work with personal and legacy burdens that get triggered in the context of political conflict and unrest. We will learn to work with what gets in the way of everyone's innate abilities to be an effective advocate, ally and activist. This will support our work as clinicians and citizens.

Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems SM, in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves.  He focused on the systemic relationships patterns among these parts that were similarly organized across clients.  He found that when clients’ parts felt safe and were allowed to relax, they would experience spontaneously the qualities of confidence, openness, and compassion that Dr. Schwartz came to call the Self.  He will show us how to support clients in that state of Self, to facilitate their healing of their own parts. 

Schedule for Day 1

9: 00 - 10:30     Overview of IFS Theory and Principles
10:30 - 10:45    Break
10:45 - 12:30    Definition of Self in IFS terms and Ways to Access Self of the Client Even in the Face of Trauma
12:30 - 1:30       Lunch
1:30 - 3:00         Using the Client’s Self to Repair Attachment Injuries
3:30 - 3:15         Break
3:15 - 4:30        The IFS Model as an Internal Attachment Model

​Schedule for Day 2

9: 00 - 10:30     The Effects of Legacy Trauma on Parts and Self
10:30 - 10:45    Break
10:45 - 12:30    Using the IFS Model to Treat Legacy Burdens
12:30 - 1:30       Lunch
1:30 - 3:00         Explore the Sources of Burdens and Fears
3:30 - 3:15         Break
3:15 - 4:30        Identify Strategies for Releasing Burdens and Fears
4:30 - 4:45       Completion of workshop evaluation

​Learning Objectives

1.     Participants will be able to identify the basic theory and principles of Internal Family Systems therapy as they apply to working with trauma

2.     Participants will be able to recognize the IFS model as an internal attachment model including being able to identify the parallels between external and internal attachment styles

3.     Participants will be able to identify the effects of trauma on parts and Self including having ideas about how utilize the model in releasing personal trauma and legacy burdens

​Target Audience

This learning event is designed for helping professionals including, but not limited to, social workers, psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage & family therapists, and nurses. We design the learning methodology to further develop beginning, intermediate, and advanced helping professionals by supporting improvement of skills for direct practice, supervision, and management positions. People who attend from professions other than those we are able to provide CEs for may request a Certificate of Attendance. 

Individual Registration: $370, $350 early registration, received by 5/31/18. Group Registration: $350 per person for groups of two or more, $330 per person early registration for groups of two or more, received by 5/31/18.
PLEASE NOTE: Groups must register and pay together to receive the discount. Registration includes morning coffee and tea, snacks and lunch both days. ​
Contact us for discounted fee of $330 for members of Clinicians United. 

​Diversity discounts are available for 10 participants. The goal of the discount is to support access to training in the IFS model for clinicians of color and others who are members of marginalized groups. Diversity rates are 20% off regular, early bird or group rates. Please contact us for registration code to access discount. No application is required.

Mandali Retreat Center 

September 24th - September 29th, 2018

Realizing Self is the centerpiece of both IFS psychotherapy and most meditative traditions of awakening. 

Self is not a part, not a meditation state, and not your ego. Instead, selfless-Self is knowable as your ground of Being, unity consciousness, unchanging essence, and open-hearted awareness. Accessing Self, and welcoming all our inner parts, is the ultimate medicine.

Through his writing and teaching Loch Kelly has become an internationally known leader in helping people quickly access Self in the midst of their daily lives. Richard Schwartz is expert at helping people bring the healing qualities of Self to their troubling inner voices, compulsive distractions, and feelings of vulnerability, inadequacy, and overwhelm. These parts of the psyche unburden when approached from the Self, with its natural respect, patience, and compassion. 

These two leaders will offer a retreat on how to access and live from Self.

Participants will leave with new tools for understanding and accessing their own Self Leadership.

*Pre-requisites:

• This retreat is designed for experienced students ready to explore Self.
• It is recommended that participants be familiar with IFS
• It is also recommended that participants be familiar with Loch Kelly's book and audio meditations, Shift into Freedom. (UK) Shift into Freedom (US)

Please visit the website for more information around fees. 

Craigville Conference Center, Centerville, Massachusetts

Thursday, October 11 - arrival after 4:30 PM, dinner at 6 PM
Sunday, October 14 - program ends 2 PM

We have all been taught that our romantic partner should end our misery and make us feel happy and alive. When he or she doesn't we wonder if they're the right one.  Yet, for most of us, no partner is capable of keeping our heads above the pools of pain and shame we bring to intimate relationships. Only we can drain those pools and become the primary caretakers for the young, needy parts of us that are drowning in those pools.  Once this inner trust is achieved, we can love our partners courageously and unconditionally because we don't need them to always do the heavy lifting of our spirits. Released from being our primary emotional caretakers, they can revel in the freedom that comes with being the secondary one.

This workshop is designed to help you and your partner learn how to achieve this kind of courageous love. Based on the presenter's Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy, you will learn how to find and heal parts of you that interfere in your intimacy. In addition, you will discover the effectiveness of communicating with your partner from a place of compassion, calm, clarity and confidence called the Self. When couples have Self-led conversations, their relationships harmonize naturally. They can discuss even highly charged issues productively and feel safe to reveal their most vulnerable parts to each other.

The workshop is for intimate partners of any kind. Appropriate for therapists and non-therapists.

Tuition is $2,300 per couple including 3 nights lodging and 9 meals.

Hui Ho’olana, Molokai, Hawaii

Sunday, January 6, 2019 - arrival after 2 PM, opening at 5PM
Sunday, January 13, 2019 - departure by noon

Offering a unique invitation to join Dick Schwartz in the healing, tranquil, and magical environment of Hui Ho'olana on the island of Molokai, Hawaii.

In this seven day retreat we will explore the spiritual side of IFS. The design is to facilitate accessing high levels of Self-energy, inviting guidance regarding a vision for your life, and further unburdening your parts as a way to remove obstacles to accessing Self.

Through Dick's guidance and the IFS model you will be offered the practice of ho'oponopono (the Hawaiian concept "to make things right") by using the evolving conceptual spiritual framework of IFS to deeply heal exiles.

Hui Ho'olana is surrounded by 100 acres of awesome natural beauty and is now considered by many to be one of the finest small workshop facilities in the world. See more information about Hui Ho'olana at http://huiho.org/index.php

The inspiring and nurturing environment, superb natural food, small and intimate venue of 15 - 17 participants, and Dick's humble but expert guidance, offer a unique and unmatched opportunity to further your IFS journey.

This advanced retreat is being offered to participants with a minimum of Level 1 IFS training.

Tuition is $3,500 including 7 nights lodging and 20 meals.