Internal family systems (IFS) therapy Part 2: Working with protector parts

Facilitator: Cleo Haber, BSW, MSW, RSW.

Description: Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is one of the most popular and effective evidence-based approaches used today.  This workshop is a follow up to “IFS: An Experiential Introduction to the Model” and is designed for participants who have an understanding and some experience with this modality.  The workshop will provide more in-depth teaching on how to work with protector parts and how to skillfully work with your client’s defenses and turn their protector parts into allies in the healing process.

It will consist of didactic teaching, experiential exercises and a live demonstration.  We will review the basic structure of an IFS session, focusing on how to facilitate the Self-to-Part connection, finding a target part, checking for Self-energy, facilitating connection and working with protective parts’ concerns. Participants will learn how to engage with protective parts, strategies to help these parts un-blend, use of implicit and explicit direct access, as well as work with polarizations. This workshop serves to deepen participants’ skills in working with protector parts, which is a critical first step before addressing any deeper emotional wounds.  

Participants will watch a live demonstration session and have a chance to break out into small groups to practice the interventions. There will be ample time for questions and discussion. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Gain a deeper understanding of the role protector parts play in your clients’ system.
• Learn strategies for working with protector parts.
• Participate in experiential exercises to practice working with protector parts.
• Gain more tools to work with clients informed by this model.

OPA employees, members, associates and affiliates can use discount code OPA20 to receive 20% off all upcoming programs (cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions/discounts).