This workshop introduces the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy and teaches healing professionals and all who are interested how to apply it to their own countertransference. Richard Schwartz developed IFS as he learned to set aside his trained assumptions and truly listen to his clients. IFS is a highly effective way of guiding people to a state of inner clarity and compassion (called the Self) from which they know how to heal themselves. From the Self, one can calm and transform troubling inner voices, compulsive distractions, and feelings of vulnerability, inadequacy, and overwhelm. These parts of the psyche are surprisingly responsive and resilient when addressed with respect and patience.

A therapist’s ability to remain steady, centered, and open-hearted in the face of clients’ extreme emotions or predicaments is central to his or her effectiveness. By utilizing IFS, therapists and laypeople can hold this Self state of loving kindness that allows others to heal themselves.

Participants will gain the tools to understand the role of the Self, discuss the role of mindfulness in self-awareness, and recognize the essential features of the IFS model. This workshop is for everyone.