If you know, you know.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) has blown up over the last few years even though we just celebrated the 40th anniversary of the model! There are grumblings around the difficult enrollment process inherent in Level 1 and Level 2 trainings as well as the high price point. I share the sentiments, but also have come to hold fidelity as a really strong professional value. I understand efforts the IFS Institute has created to allow for quality control while also working to expand access. The mission has always been to take IFS out of the private psychotherapy office and into the world. I definitely see that happening! There is an initiative through The Foundation for Self Leadership to better support marginalized groups and create global impact by implementing programs in communities that historically do not have access to trauma-focused mental healthcare. I was really impressed by these updates over the last two IFS conferences, including efforts to create more racial diversity within the community and pay homage to spiritual elders for the indigenous wisdom inherent in the model. IFS is such an expansive community that includes much more than Level 1 and 2 trainings. I was lucky enough to learn directly from Richard Schwartz almost 15 years ago. I worked for a nonprofit that was granted a scholarship from a community partner that provided IFS (eating disorder) treatment and lo and behold – it was the center Dick was an affiliate to as a contract therapist, researcher, and trainer.
If we don’t isolate ourselves as private psychotherapists and instead lean into the collaborative nature of teams and programs, we have access to innovative and magical opportunities.
My advice:
- As a *new* therapist, don’t become too fixated on getting certified in specific modalities. Let your skills integrate in a real way in real time with clients post-graduation and within your licensure supervision period. You’ve already accomplished so much! Celebrate that and allow your professional identity to take hold a bit before jumping into the next growth opportunity. Take a breather.
- Rather than getting all stressed out on getting into (and budgeting for) a Level 1 or 2 IFS training, seek out the wealth of opportunities in this community. Derek Scott has a variety of courses through IFSCA, which will remain a legacy long after his recent passing. Frank Anderson facilitates trainings and full retreats. Michelle Glass has upcoming IFS trainings for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapists. The IFS conference happens annually and is open to everyone! The IFS Online Circle is another very financially accessible, self-paced training opportunity that spans a six month time-frame for deeper practice and integration. There are also other experts and offerings featured on popular IFS podcasts such The One Inside and IFS Talks.
- Additionally, if you work with disordered eating and body image, there are even more opportunities to get involved such as the Tri State Eating Disorder conference next month, including live demos and workshops with Dick and his brilliant wife, Dr. Jeanne Catanzaro! Dick always talks about holding a reverence toward this population and community, explicitly stating his eating disorder clients are the ones that taught him the IFS model.
Don’t be dissuaded by ideas of how things “should” look within your professional endeavors. In other words, get scrappy and get after it.
There IS room for you here!