The Internal Family Systems Model of Psychotherapy: Curiosity, Courage, and Compassion in Action

At its core, the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach is about learning to turn inward and listen deeply to both our own and our clients' inner experience with curiosity and respect. It is a journey of discovering and seeking to more fully understand the true complexity contained within each of us, an internal mosaic of many different parts, each with its own set of thoughts, feelings and needs. IFS invites us to enter into a relationship with both our clients' and our own internal family system of parts, uncovering both the challenges and wisdom it contains, and offering it the healing energy that is unique to each of us. This model repositions the counselor or therapist as a knowledgeable guide and collaborator instead of "expert," and in so doing leads clients to become adept explorers of their own systems, and to pursue and value their personal inner guidance, which the model labels as "Self."

Through experiential exercises, interactive discussions and didactic presentation, this workshop is intended for all social workers engaged in working with individuals, groups or organizations that could benefit from this framework. Because the path to internal and external harmony can seem elusive when we, and our clients, so often feel fragmented and overwhelmed (given the current state of our world), this introduction to the practice of the Internal Family Systems model can provide insight and practical tools for self-healing and personal, along with potentially societal, growth.