What is internal Family Systems Therapy?

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a highly effective, non-pathologising, and evidence-based psychotherapy for improving individuals’ mental well-being. IFS is an accessible and intuitive method that incorporates multiplicity of the personality, Self (spiritual core essence), and systems thinking to treat mental health issues. As an IFS therapist, you will guide your clients to explore their inner world, help them to identify and build relationships with parts of their personality, discover the role of their protective parts, and assist them to understand the origins of their beliefs and emotions. This therapeutic modality can help release burdened emotions and beliefs and heal trauma.

For many clients IFS is an intuitive approach, allowing them to relate to parts of their personality in a new way, release stuck emotions, and re-consolidate unhelpful beliefs. IFS offers an alternative to other talk therapies; instead of reflecting on the client’s personal narrative, the IFS therapist guides clients into a deeper relationship with their parts and guides them towards Self-healing. As an IFS client, they will gain clarity and relief through direct experience of their internal world, connect with their true inner potential, and may heal their trauma. You will not need to rely on your interpretation of their narrative, but will instead be on a journey with your client to discover the secret histories of their parts and witness the compassion and healing wisdom of their true Self.

What is the IFS Workshop: Experiential Introduction?

This is an intimate (12-person maximum) live 3-day introductory professional development workshop in IFS for mental health clinicians (examples; counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, mental health clinicians, and students!).

This introductory IFS workshop introduces the IFS model of the mind, how to work therapeutically with protective parts, and explores therapist parts. During the workshop, you will begin to learn and embody the IFS process. Experiencing several experiential components, including live demonstrations, meditations, Q&A, and skills practice.

What are the details of the workshop?

Day 1 - IFS Model of Mind: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Day 2 - Working with Protectors 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Day 3 - Exploring Therapist Parts: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

*doors open from 9 am, we will start at 9:15 sharp each day.

Cost: $1000 fee per person ($900 course fee, $100 non-refundable admin fee) + 10% GST + Humanitix Booking Fee.

Enrolment confirmed upon payment through Humanitix.

Refund: The workshop fee is refundable up to 30 days before the start of the workshop.

Maximum group size: 12 participants.

Does not include meals: There will be a 15-minute tea break and a 30-minute lunch break each day. A selection of teas, coffees, water, and biscuits will be provided. Please bring your own lunch each day.

Venue: <50 km from Perth CBD. The venue will be confirmed several weeks before the starting date of each Workshop.

Can you tell me more about IFS?

IFS offers a compassionate paradigm for working with clients. IFS is an accessible and intuitive method for most clients. Focusing on welcoming all parts of our clients, understanding the good intentions of their parts (even ones using the most destructive coping strategies), and facilitating access to their Self. From this place of welcome, understanding, and Self-energy, healing occurs and burdened emotions and beliefs can be released.

What are the content and experiential components of the IFS Workshop?

Interactive lectures

Day 1 - Introduction to the IFS Model of mind

• What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?

• Origins and influences of IFS

• The growing evidence base of IFS therapy

• Multiplicity

• Systems Thinking

• Parts - Exiles, Managers, and Fire Fighters

• The Self

Day 2 - Introduction to working with IFS Psychotherapy

• Working with protective parts

• Role of the IFS-Informed Therapist

• The 6 F’s

• Protector Fears

• Unblending

  ** Content may be different on the day.

Day 3 - Exploration of Therapist Parts

• Recognising Therapist Parts

• Understanding Agenda in Psychotherapy

• Unblending Therapist Parts

• Going at your clients pace

• Using clients Language

Experiential Components

Daily IFS guided meditations

Hearing the theory is one thing. Experiencing it is another. Throughout the three days, there will be several IFS meditations to give you a direct experience of some of the topics covered in the lectures.

Three live demonstrations of IFS Psychotherapy

Oliver will demonstrate the IFS process with a volunteer from the workshop once a day. The demonstrations will last between 60 - 90 minutes, followed by a debrief with the volunteer and a Q and A with the group.

Practicing the 6 F’s of Working with Protectors

Participants will be given the time and space to practice the IFS 6 Fs process of working with protectors on the second and third days of the workshop. This will be a real-play with each participant pairing up with another participant and taking on the role of client and therapist. If there is an uneven number of participants, one group will have three participants and rotate through the roles of client, therapist, and observer.

How do I get a ticket to the next workshop?

All tickets for IFS Workshops are available through HUmanitix. You can click the link below or head to the Upcoming Workshops Page here.

Waiting List for IFS Workshop: Experiential Introduction

If all workshops are Sold Out, please fill in your details below if you would like to go on the waiting list for the may workshop as it is currently full. You could also purchase a ticket above and below for the November workshop:

I am unable to attend in person. Is there an online alternative?

If you are unable to attend an in person IFS Workshop, please register your interest for an Online IFS Workshop here

Is this workshop equivalent to the official IFS Training?

This is an introductory workshop in IFS theory and practice. It is not an Internal Family Systems Institute (IFS-I) level 1 training. Only the IFS-I can offer training in IFS. This workshop does not teach people the unburdening process. Only graduates of official level 1 Training by IFS-I may competently and in good faith practice IFS clinically and facilitate unburdenings with clients. For level 1 Training by the Institute please follow this link: https://ifs-institute.com/trainings/level-1

Past Workshop Testimonials

“I loved the soulful, slow pace and Suzanne’s contributions, all the poems and meditations. Oliver and Suzanne created a safe and brave space for us to process IFS personally and professionally in the most non-judgemental way.”

Gabriella de Mori - Registered Clinical Counsellor - October 2023

“The workshop exceeded my expectations for developing a foundational competence in the IFS model. Presenters Oliver and Suzanne brought their caring, knowledgeable, humorous, and authentic selves to the fore, making it feel safe for participants to do the same. Prior to the workshop, I felt I had a good understanding of the model but lacked confidence in delivery. Oliver's direct, concise language and Suzanne's experiential emphasis made the model very accessible in an extremely practical way. Since the workshop, I have been using an IFS-informed approach safely and successfully within a community mental health brief intervention context, and find it to be an excellent fit with a wide range of presentations.”

Rachael, Mental Health Clinician - October 2023

“This workshop was a really thorough & nourishing introduction to IFS. I felt safe and recognised that those attending did also. I am extremely interested in seeking future training in this space as I feel the potential of the method was communicated safely (bravely) and comprehensively.”

Gabrielle Walker ~ Tirohanga Counselling ~ Counsellor & Therapeutic Life Coach - October 2023

“Oliver and Suzanne's Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) workshops provide a safe space where you feel heard, seen, and supported. They both not only have a deep understanding of the theory behind this integrative approach to individual psychotherapy developed by Richard C. Schwartz but embody the healing awareness and freedom of loving all one's 'parts'. As conduits for IFS deep work, they both have the ability to hold everyone in a space of healing no matter where you are on your journey. I found that even after 1-day of the introductory course, I felt a dramatic shift in my way of experiencing myself and then noticed daily changes in this new sense of self in all social interactions with others. I look forward to attending another of the IFS workshops that you hold in a carefully and 'mindfully' chosen space. Thank you, Oliver and Suzanne.”

Workshop Participant - Social Work graduate student - October 2023

“IFS is a very helpful and powerful model to get in touch with self. The workshop was skillfully and professionally delivered. Oliver & Suzanne are a great team and their presentation approaches were very complimentary.”

Workshop Participant - May 2023

“I loved the way the workshop was presented with a calming gentle presence but still very powerful and impactful. Both Oliver & Suzanne were excellent facilitators right throughout the full workshop with a very calming way of being”

Davy Rowe - Master Intuitive Coach - May 2023

“Oliver & Suzanne made all of us feel very welcome, it was a completely non-judgmental & safe space that encouraged curiosity, playfulness & compassion with a rich theoretical evidenced-based foundation. It really helped me to put into perspective the theoretical work that I had previously completed. The workshop catered for all adult learning styles to support attendees learning. A lovely venue & an amazing group of attendees & I can't wait to hear about future courses.”

Pamela Scott-Gale - Counsellor & Integrated Psychotherapist, RN & Clinical Educator - May 2023

“Oliver provided deeply compassionate and contained examples of the therapeutic IFS process for the group to witness. The richness of witnessing skilled facilitation of part to self communication was immeasurably valuable.”

Workshop Participant - May 2023

“This workshop was excellent. It had a beautiful balance of content and experiential activities and was expertly led by Oliver and Suzanne. There were many takeaways for me from both a personal and professional perspective. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of IFS.”

Jennifer Rauch, Clinical Team Lead - May 2023

“This introduction to IFS workshop was very well organised and thought out. There was a good balance of content and experiential components to bring the concepts alive. It was well paced to allow time to integrate what I learnt. Oliver and Suzanne were just lovely and shared their expertise generously. I look forward to more workshops!”

Rebecca Glorie, Psychologist - May 2023

 “I attended “Internal Family Systems Therapy: An Experiential Introduction”, designed and facilitated by Oliver Brooke in April 2021. Oliver‘s delivery and explanation of the material was clear and informative with colourful, well set out, and easy to follow handouts. 

Oliver is an engaging presenter who demonstrates that he knows the model and is passionate about applying it when working with clients. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and have eagerly gone on to further develop my IFS skills as a result.” 

Michelle - Couple and Family Counsellor - April 2021