Internal Family Systems: An Introduction for Licensed Counselors
This 3-hour continuing education course introduces licensed counselors to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model developed by Richard C. Schwartz. Grounded in the principle that the mind is naturally multiple and that every part—no matter how disruptive—carries a positive intent, IFS offers counselors a non-pathologizing, trauma-informed framework for working with complex presentations including trauma, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Learners will explore the foundational concepts of Self, parts, and the three part types (managers, firefighters, and exiles), develop skills for working with protective parts, and understand the clinical and ethical considerations for applying IFS techniques with clients experiencing trauma and complex dissociation.
3
CE Hours
4
Modules
16
Quiz Questions
1
Est. Minutes
What you'll learn
- Describe the foundational principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS), including the concept of the multiplicity of the mind and the no-bad-parts principle.
- Identify and differentiate the three types of parts in the IFS model—managers, firefighters, and exiles—and their respective roles in the internal system.
- Explain the concept of Self in IFS, including the eight Cs of Self-leadership, and articulate how Self-to-part relationships facilitate therapeutic change.
- Apply IFS-informed clinical strategies for approaching protective parts with curiosity rather than confrontation, including unblending techniques.
- Describe the unburdening process and the role of direct access in reaching exiles when direct client access is unavailable.
- Evaluate ethical and clinical considerations for using IFS techniques with clients experiencing trauma, complex PTSD, severe dissociation, and psychosis.
Who it's for
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs),Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs),Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs),National Certified Counselors (NCCs),Licensed Associate Professional Counselors (LAPCs) under supervision
Approval & credit
CounselorReady is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7760). This course awards 3 NBCC-approved CE hours; a certificate is issued on completion. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CounselorReady is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.