Internal Family Systems Workshop

Registration Link: https://www.cape.org/courses/ifs-catanzaro-and-schwartz-2026

When: 07/13/2026 - 07/17/2026, 5 Half-Days (15-Hour Course)

Format: Live In-Person and Online 

About: The Internal Family Systems Model is a method of therapy that fosters transformation, gently, quickly, and effectively. It views multiplicity of mind as our natural state and our “parts” as sub-personalities that may be healed and transformed by bringing the Self into its rightful role as leader of the internal system. The Self, a core of valuable leadership qualities, is our true nature–compassionate and loving. Although IFS has been most widely used as a treatment for trauma, it is a flexible model that provides abundant opportunities for application.

Program Objectives:

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

1. Describe the basic IFS model

2. Discuss the observation of IFS live demonstration

3. Discuss the impact of trauma on internal systems

4. Discuss client protective parts5. List the six steps for healing exiled parts

6. Describe how to work with difficult and/or resistant parts

7. Discuss IFS affect management strategies

8. Participate in experiential exercises that demonstrate affect management

9. Summarize the IFS approach to couples' therapy

10. Discuss case examples of couples using IFS

11. Summarize IFS application to families

12. Discuss the concept of legacy burdens in IFS therapy

13. Indicate techniques to understand and deal with transference

14. Use IFS methods to help therapists stay centered during sessions

15. Describe how IFS helps therapists be freer in their work

Total CE hours: 15.0

This activity has been certified by NEAFAST on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions for LMFT Professional Continuing Education. Certification #214999332 

Instructor Bio: Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective, therapeutic model with a growing evidence base, that de-pathologizes the multi-part personality. Richard is also the Founder of the IFS Institute that primarily offers training for professionals. He is currently a Teaching Associate in Psychiatry, at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate. Richard has authored or co-authored more than ten books on Internal Family Systems and related topics, including No Bad Parts and Internal Family Systems Therapy. Dick lives near Chicago with his wife Jeanne, Vice President of the IFS Institute, close to his three daughters and six grandchildren.