Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is one of the fastest-growing approaches to psychotherapy. It has developed over the past twenty years into a way of understanding and treating human problems that is empowering, effective, and non-pathologizing with an understanding that symptoms are actually the coping mechanism of Parts (sub-personalities/ego-states) trying to protect us from pain. IFS is a powerful model of therapy that enhances mindful awareness and self-compassion through getting to know our Parts in a methodical yet intimate way.
The IFS Model represents a synthesis of two already-existing paradigms: systems thinking and multiplicity of the mind. A key aspect of the IFS Model is the belief that, in addition to working with Parts, everyone has at their core a Self-Energy containing many crucial leadership qualities such as perspective, confidence, compassion, and acceptance.
In this inner system, some Parts take on protective roles in response to relational injury in order to protect a vulnerable or injured Part (Exiles). Protective pro-active Parts (Managers) focus on learning, functioning, and being prepared preventing Exiles from being triggered. Manager behaviours can include inner critics, controlling self/others/the environment, perfectionism, risk avoidance, caretaking, worrying, striving, pleasing, denial, displacement, projecting and intellectualising. The reactive protective Parts (Firefighters) get activated after an exile has been triggered. They try to distract the client from pain. Examples of Firefighter behaviour include dissociation, fantasising, somatising, anger/rage, addictions, eating disorders, panic, obsessions, compulsions, hoarding, NSSI and suicidality.
At the outset of therapy an IFS therapist hears the client’s presenting complaint as one Part speaking. The IFS therapist witnesses this Part acknowledging how it is trying to help the client and then seeks permission to hear from all Parts involved in the issue. The IFS therapist supports the client to unblend or differentiate from each Part and enter an internal dialogue. Clients learn to listen inside themselves with self-compassion and curiosity (Self), and, in the process release beliefs, emotions, sensations, patterns and urges that have constrained their lives. As Parts are witnessed, they become more flexible in how they respond to the world as well as with each other. The central healing relationship in IFS is between the Self of the client and his/her Parts.
The Benefits of IFS for therapists:
IFS advances treatment by:
Feedback for Leona’s and Jen’s recent training presentations:
“I have attended training with Leona on several occasions and have been truly impressed with the experiential way she designs, delivers and facilitates learning. She is clear, concise and loads of fun! All participants were fully engaged in a dynamic learning experience which I would highly recommend."
"Leona is an innovative and creative presenter who makes her material accessible to the novice mind. Her deep knowledge and love of IFS shines through and her generosity in sharing case studies and personal experiences makes the training come alive. I recommend this course to anyone interested in the workings of the human psyche.”
"Leona is a knowledgeable and engaging trainer who is able to hold the space for all levels of learning.”
"Jen's warmth, intelligence, and creativeness inspires groups to trust each other and engage. Her sense of humour allows participants to relax, be themselves, and be in the moment."
File type | File name | Number of pages | |
---|---|---|---|
IFS - Presenter Slides (1.2 MB) | Available after Purchase | ||
GettingToKnowaPart_Annotated (1.7 MB) | Available after Purchase | ||
IFSChapter20 - (9.2 MB) | Available after Purchase | ||
PDP handout_Interviewing a part (157.3 KB) | Available after Purchase | ||
PRACTICE_GROUP_ROLES (109.1 KB) | Available after Purchase |
Jen Nield is a family therapist working both in the community sector and in private practice. She is an experienced group facilitator and has written multiple group programs that are now being used widely throughout Victoria. Jen has worked extensively in the family violence sector providing individual, couple and family therapy to both people who have used violence and those who have been violated. Jen is now working in the Alcohol and Other Drug sector and providing IFS training to AOD workers. Jen has a history of working with adolescents both in psychiatric inpatient settings and in the broader community sector. Prior to becoming a therapist, Jen worked in community theatre and won numerous awards for her work with young people who had experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jennifer Nield has an employment relationship with Access Health and Community. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jennifer Nield has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Morning Session
9:00am - 12:30pm (includes 15 minute break at 10:30am)
Lunch Break
12:30pm - 1:00pm
Afternoon Session
1:00pm - 4:30pm (includes 15 minute break at 2:45pm)
Learning objectives of this training:
“All parts are welcome.” - when we look within ourselves, putting those words into practice, we open the way to deep inner transformation as ‘Parts’ come to realise they are not stuck in their roles and can choose to support us in a different ways. IFS unlocks that ability.” Leona Dawson
How will you benefit from attending this training?
Morning Session (includes a short break)
Afternoon Session (includes a short break)
This seminar has been designed to extend the clinical knowledge and applied skill of Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Coaches, Psychologists, Hypnotherapists, Social Workers, Community Workers, Mental Health Nurses and Psychiatrists.
COVID-19 AND YOUR SAFETY
This Accor hotel has a fully implemented plan attending to the health and safety of all venue attendees.
You will be required to abide by the safety measures current at the time and in line with public health orders. These will be advised in your pre-event reminder/information emails.
In the interest of everone's safety, the venue and PDP reserve the right to deny entry to any participant who chooses not to follow the current COVID safety plans.
ACCESSIBILITY
This venue offers wheelchair access from the street level.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Conveniently located right by several bus routes and a 7-minute walk to Parliament Station.
PARKING
Links to reasonable early-bird parking close to the venue:
https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/park/3215_180-Russell-St-Car-Park_180-Russell-Street-Melbourne
https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/park/3252_222-Russell-St-Car-Park_222-Russell-Street-Melbourne
NOURISHMENT
All day tea, coffee and water are provided.
If you have pre-purchased lunch, hotel staff will have you selection ready for you.
The venue has a restaurant and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants should you choose to eat out.
Please note that lunch bought from outside providers cannot be eaten in the hotel.
ACCOMODATION
The seminar venue is the Mantra on Russell Hotel which offers a discount on accommodation for the PDP community. Please quote the code RUSSELL2021
Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/B3P4/index.en.shtml?utm_campaign=seo+maps&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps
Quest on Lonsdale is a 6 minute walk from the venue.
Website: https://www.questapartments.com.au/properties/vic/melbourne/quest-on-lonsdale/overview?utm_source=GoogleMyBusiness&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=questonlonsdale
Hotel Grand Chancellor is a 2 minute walk from the venue.
Website: https://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/hotel-grand-chancellor-Melbourne
Please wait ...