0490 - Part 1: Foundations of IFS Practice

Course Description

This forty hour course will introduce you to the groundbreaking approach that views every person as a system of inner parts – both protective and wounded – guided by a central core Self. Discover how IFS embraces the natural multiplicity of the mind, recognizing it as a strength rather than a flaw. Much like members of a family, these inner parts can be pushed into extreme roles, but each holds inherent value. At the centre of it all is the Self – a resilient, unbreakable essence that knows how to heal the system and lead with wisdom.

Your approach to supporting others will be transformed as you learn how to help individuals connect with their protective and wounded parts using the Self. You will practice a process of relating that fosters both inner harmony and external connection, enabling profound personal transformation. Discover how to better understand and heal parts, creating balance and fostering well-being.

Learning Outcomes

This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the mindsets and skills needed by the practitioner. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand each person as a system of parts.
• Recognize and foster the qualities of Self. 
• Find and focus on Protector Parts (Managers and Firefighters) and Wounded Parts (Exiles).
• Foster Self to Part connection.
• Facilitate the practice of unburdening wounded parts.
• Create environments where healing is client-led and the practitioner is present and focused.
• Begin to identify the nature of your own system.
• Introduce IFS to clients.

Click each course to see detailed course schedule. Select the course from the menu on the right to register. Please ensure you can attend all class sessions before registering.

Part 1 -- July 7 to August 1, 2025

Part 1 -- October 15 to December 10, 2025

Part 1 -- February 10 to April 14, 2026

Part 1 -- June 16 to July 10, 2026

Part 1: Foundations of IFS Practice includes:

1. A 90 minute live orientation where you will prepare for the course by:
   • Meeting your instructors and peers.
   • Discussing the assignments and evaluation process.
   • Addressing psychological safety/bravery in the classroom.
   • Asking questions to ensure you fully understand the requirements to successfully complete the course.
2. 24 hours of live classroom learning (Zoom)
   • demonstrations
   • discussion
   • instruction
   • supervised practice groups
3. 14.5 hours of self-directed study
   • readings
   • reflective assignments
   • exercises
   • final quiz

Please plan time in your schedule for both the live classrooms hours, as well as the self-directed work. No extensions will be granted.

This is a non-credit professional development course; completion will be on a pass/fail basis. Evidence of successful completion will be demonstrated by:

• Attendance and participation in all mandatory Part 1 remote sessions, including orientation. Cameras should be turned on as much as possible, and are required during demonstrations and supervised practice groups.
• Completion of all online modules in Part 1.
• Submission of all reflective practice exercises for Part 1, including a final assignment.
• Achievement of 75% on a 15-question, multiple-choice test taken at the end of Part 1.

For professional coaches: This course has been approved for 20 hours of Continuing Coach Education by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Your Continuing Coach Education certificate will be issued by Red Maple.

Schwartz, R. (2021). No bad parts: Healing trauma and restoring wholeness with the internal family systems model.

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Applied Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practice Certificate : Internal Family Systems