A Training Program for Therapists and Other Helpers in Partnership with Red Maple Coaching and Consulting
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of interpersonal work used to facilitate inner healing and wholeness. It is based on the idea that we are composed of multiple subpersonalities, or "parts," each with its own viewpoint, experience and role. IFS is considered to be a non-pathologizing, holistic and empowering approach because it emphasizes the client's innate capacity for self-leadership and healing.
Often described as a philosophy or worldview more than a modality, it steps far away from the clinical nature of many other approaches to well-being. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey of learning how to understand each client as a unique and complex system, with whom you act as a witness to healing. You can learn more about IFS in this short video clip.
The Applied Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practice certificate is comprised of two parts. Both parts must be successfully completed to receive the Applied IFS Practice certificate:
- Part 1: Foundations of IFS Practice (40 hours)
- Part 2: Deeper Applications of the IFS Model (40 hours)
This two-course program will require 80 hours of learning through:
- synchronous lectures (remote through Zoom)
- demonstrations (remote through Zoom)
- supervised practice groups (remote through Zoom)
- self-directed study
Program Highlights
- World-class, IFS Institute-trained instructors with deep knowledge and expertise in this model, who also understand the importance of being self-led first.
- Supervised practice groups with small student/instructor ratios.
- Downloadable handouts to use with clients.
- Video demonstrations that will allow you to see IFS in practice.
Workload
In addition to the 40 hours of remote and online learning required for each course, there are also assignments, reading and reflections that need to be completed. Please ensure you understand, and can commit to, the workload prior to registration. There are no extensions granted.
Personal Work
In this course, your own personal work and your professional development will likely collide. Your commitment, however, must be to your professional development during your studies. You are strongly encouraged to work with an IFS therapist of your own to achieve the growth you desire in your own life.
To be eligible to take this course of study, you must have at least three years of experience in a helping profession (i.e. social workers, therapist, counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist, mental health practitioner, allied healthcare professional, professional coach, clergy).
To be eligible for Part 2, you must have successfully completed Part 1 or an approved equivalent.
Contact us at fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca if you require additional information.
Discounts
The Applied IFS Practice certificate is not eligible for any discounts.
Applied IFS Practice is a non-credit professional development program; completion will be on a pass/fail basis. Evidence of your learning is evaluated by:
- Attendance, with participation, in all mandatory remote sessions, including orientation. Cameras should be turned on as much as possible, but are required during demonstrations and supervised practice groups.
- Completion of all online modules in Part 1 and Part 2.
- Successful submission of all reflective practice exercises.
Note: You do not have to be working towards completing the Applied IFS Practice certificate to take the Part 1 course.
Completing this Applied IFS Practice certificate will not qualify you to register with any College or association, including the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Please visit those websites for information on becoming a therapist in Ontario or the appropriate college or association in your province or territory..
Upon completion of the Applied IFS Practice certificate you can refer to yourself as an IFS-informed practitioner.
Please carefully read all of our cancellation and transfer information before registering for an Applied IFS Practice course.
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Is this program approved by the IFS Institute?
This certificate is neither endorsed by, nor in partnership with, the IFS Institute. It is a distinct training on its own. Equivalency with the IFS Institute’s courses is not the goal of this program; it was developed to prepare you to integrate IFS into your practice.
Do I need to be a regulated mental health professional to take this course?
No. Worldwide, coaches, clergy, allied health professionals, and others are now using the IFS model in their work with clients,
Can other courses I've taken qualify as equivalent to the IFS courses?
Each IFS Instructor emphasizes different things in different courses. There is great diversity of thought about how to teach IFS. Our instructors have carefully considered what will be taught where throughout these courses and we therefore cannot give exemptions for other IFS courses you have completed.
Are the instructors certified?
There is no accreditation process for IFS instructors. The lead instructors are trained and certified by the IFS Institute, as are many of the consultants that run the supervised practice groups.