A Training Program for Therapists, Counsellors, Coaches, Mental Health and Allied Health Professionals and Clergy. Offered in Partnership with Red Maple Coaching and Consulting.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidenced-based approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. Unlike traditional therapies that often focus on a single aspect of the mind, IFS recognizes that each person is a system of "parts," each with their own emotions, perspectives and roles. At the heart of IFS is the concept of the Self. The Self is naturally calm, curious, compassionate and capable of leading your internal system.
This non-pathologizing, holistic and empowering model emphasizes the client's innate capacity for self-leadership and healing. Helping them to:
- Build a non-judgmental relationship with themselves.
- Uncover and release burdens that parts carry, leading to inner harmony.
- Empower the Self to lead with confidence and compassion.
Ultimately, the goal of IFS is to empower the Self to lead, enabling individuals to live with greater inner peace, resilience and authenticity. The goal of this course is to transform the way you understand yourself as well as how to support others.
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-part 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 (asynchronous through MyLearningSpace)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the foundational concepts of IFS as a non-pathologizing model.
- Learn about the individual as a system of Parts (Managers, Firefighters & Exiles), each with their own roles and perspectives.
- Learn about the Self, which is designed to bring healing and harmony within the system through connection.
- Practice creating environments where healing is client-led and the practitioner is present and centred.
- Discover the mindsets, skills and steps that help others access the Self, foster connection within the system, and experience healing, breakthrough and growth (e.g. the six Fs of Connection with Parts, Unburdening, Self-Energy etc.).
Program Highlights
- Live instruction from IFSI and IFSCA trained instructors and seasoned practitioners.
- Supervised practice groups with small participant/instructor ratios (no more than five participants per group).
- Downloadable handouts to use with clients.
- Live demonstrations that will allow you to see IFS practiced in real-time.
Workload
Each 40-hour course is comprised of 25.5 hours of live, virtual engagement and 14.5 hours of self-directed learning, as well as assigned readings. Please ensure you can commit to the workload before registering for each course. 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 worker, 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 of each course will be on a pass/fail basis. Evidence of your learning is evaluated by:
- Attendance, with participation, in all mandatory live sessions, including orientation. Cameras should be turned on as much as possible, but are required during demonstrations and supervised practice groups.
- Completion of all asynchronous, online modules.
- Submission of all reflective practice exercises.
- Achievement of 75% on a 15-question, multiple choice quiz at the end of each course.
Note: You do not have to be working towards completing the Applied IFS Practice certificate to take the Part 1 course.
For professional coaches: This course has been approved for 40 hours of Continuing Coach Education by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Your Continuing Coach Education (CCE) certificate will be issued by Red Maple.
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.
No application is required. To register, select a course from the menu of the right, then a course section to view the dates and cost or add the course to your cart. Complete your registration with payment.
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 the 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 using the IFS model in their work with clients, systems and organizations. Effectiveness with IFS is determined less by credentials and more by the presence and self-leadership you learn to keep in your practice.
Can other courses I've taken qualify as equivalent to the IFS courses?
Potentially. 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. If you have previously completed IFS training, please contact us at fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca so we can determine if the training is equivalent to our Part 1 course.
Are the instructors certified?
The instruction team is comprised of professionals who are certified by the IFS Institute, as well as IFSCA.