Intro to Internal Family Systems for Complex PTSD
Knowing IFS is one thing. Knowing how to use it with complex trauma is another.
What do you do when parts are blended in ways that aren’t obvious? When your client has little or no access to Self energy? When protective parts are working hard, or you’re not sure how to move forward without overwhelming the system?
In this 3.5-hour small group intensive, you’ll learn a practical 15-step framework for applying IFS with complex trauma. You’ll move through three phases of the work: entering the system, growing Self energy, and building the Self-to-part relationship. Rather than expecting clients to begin fully Self-led, you’ll learn how to lead from Therapist Higher Self, recognize small moments of client Self energy, and build from there.
The focus is on giving you a clear map for what to do when the work gets complex, so you can understand what’s happening in the system and know how to move forward.
By the end of this training, you will:
Learn a clear, step-by-step process that begins with Therapist Self and supports clients in building a lasting Self-to-part relationship.
Know how to map a client’s internal system and identify the protector that is ready for your attention.
Feel confident using both implicit and explicit direct access without rushing or overwhelming protective systems.
Help clients access greater Self energy, even when parts are blended or shutdown is present.
Leave with practical tools clients can use beyond the session to continue strengthening Self-to-part trust and support lasting integration.
Date: Friday, February 5th | 1:00 - 4:30 PM CT
Location: Zoom
What makes this training different?
This training is intentionally small and interactive, with a maximum of 17 participants so there is space for questions, discussion, and application.
You’ll learn through teaching, clinical discussion, case examples, and guided application. Rather than simply learning more about IFS, you’ll work through how to recognize what is happening in the system and what to do next when the work gets complex.
The goal is to leave with a framework you can begin applying immediately with your complex trauma clients.
A Practical IFS Framework for Complex Trauma
1. Enter the System
Identify the topic, map the parts, determine where to begin, and work with implicit and explicit direct access.
2. Grow Self Energy
Lead from Therapist Higher Self, recognize moments of client Self energy, and help the client begin sharing that energy with the part.
3. Build the Relationship
Strengthen the Self-to-part connection and create concrete ways for clients to continue building that relationship between sessions.
Clinician Feedback
“I just finished a session with my most complex trauma client and our session was an extraordinary one as she made a major breakthrough.
In the session we had yesterday, I implemented the steps with her that you taught in your training. In today’s session, she was able to speak from her higher Self and clearly state an embodied, empowered statement about the things that were done to her. She felt that this was 'the truth.'
Thank you for being such a wise, warm, and available teacher. You and your trainings have certainly changed the way I practice and have deepened my understanding of complex trauma!"
-Katherine Carrane
ready to join us?
CE Credit: Not currently offered
*Because training spots are limited, we require at least 7 days' notice for any cancellation. This helps us offer your spot to another participant.
Date: Friday, February 5th | 1:00 - 4:30 PM CT
Location: Zoom