5 Best Inner Family Systems Trainings

Would you like to explore the realm of inner exploration and growth? Discover the various professional training options available for Inner Family Systems and embark on your journey of personal and professional development.

Inner Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative approach that views the mind as consisting of various internal “parts” or subpersonalities, each with its own unique characteristics, emotions, and motivations. IFS proposes that these parts often operate in distinct roles within an individual's psyche, and the central concept of IFS is the Self, which represents the core, compassionate, and undamaged essence within each person. The goal of IFS therapy is to facilitate Self-leadership, where the individual's core Self can effectively manage and harmonize the various parts, leading to inner balance and healing. By developing a deeper connection with these parts and the Self, individuals can address underlying conflicts, traumas, and emotional wounds, leading to profound healing and transformation.

One of the unique features of IFS is its emphasis on the therapeutic relationship between the Self and the parts, as well as the relationship between the practitioner and the client. Through this relational approach, clients learn to develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-empowerment, ultimately achieving greater resilience and well-being in their lives.

IFS is widely used in individual therapy and coaching, couples counseling, family therapy, and group settings, offering a versatile and effective framework for addressing a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, and personal growth.

Selecting the right IFS training program can be intricate and overwhelming. This article aims to guide you through the process, helping you understand your options and confidently choose the best training program for your needs. Here's a list of top programs offering Inner Family Systems Training. 

What’s important when choosing an IFS training?

Before committing to an IFS program, it's essential to weigh several factors. The world of therapeutic approaches to trauma is expansive and lacks comprehensive regulation, offering numerous career paths. Programs vary widely, ranging from weekend immersions to multi-year mastery courses, some at the university level. 

Each program has distinct entry requirements, contributing to the complexity of the decision-making process. This article is also a great resource to help you navigate all your options as you enter into the world of somatics and trauma.

Types of Therapies in Training:

Different programs offer varied approaches, so it's essential to have a clear grasp of the training content and methodologies involved. These programs may emphasize cognitive-behavioral therapy in some cases, while others lean towards body-centered approaches. Program durations also vary significantly, from short 12-15 hour overviews designed for continuing education credits to more extensive single-modality courses spanning up to 500 hours.

It's vital to select a program that stays abreast of the latest research and advancements in the field, ensuring participants receive current and relevant training. This commitment to staying updated contributes to a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

Budget:

An important consideration is the financial investment involved. You'll need to decide whether you're ready to commit to a comprehensive 3-year, $9,000 mastery program or if you'd prefer to begin with a shorter introductory course to kickstart your journey. Generally, brief continuing education courses are priced below $1,000, while in-depth explorations of specific modalities may exceed $10,000 in cost. Starting with a shorter overview training is often a wise choice, enabling you to determine the direction you'd like to take as you explore the field further.

The Environment (online vs. in-person):

Currently, the predominant mode of therapeutic training is conducted online, although there are still options available for in-person training. These training environments vary, with some emphasizing clinical and educational settings, while others take on a more spiritual approach, often presented as group experiences. It's essential to confirm that your instructors possess not only experience and qualifications but also authentically embody the teachings they share. Selecting a program that not only ignites your inspiration but also aligns with your intuitive guidance is paramount.

Considering these factors collectively will help you choose the most suitable Inner Family Systems training program for your individual needs. By carefully weighing these elements, you can confidently select a training program that resonates with your aspirations and seamlessly aligns with your personal and professional objectives.

1. The Aura Institute – Integrative Trauma Practitioner™ Training

We highly recommend the Aura Institute for those looking to enhance their expertise in Inner Family Systems (IFS). This program caters specifically to coaches and therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of IFS principles and techniques.

Certification seekers often face the challenge of finding training that strikes the right balance between brevity for an educational introduction and depth for extensive training in specific modules. The Aura Institute offers a solution by providing a comprehensive overview of body-based techniques and practical training in multiple modalities, with options ranging from 50 hours for Level 1 to 75 hours for Level 2.

Designed for coaches, therapists, and holistic practitioners, the curriculum equips participants with immediately applicable techniques for one-on-one client sessions.

Embark on your journey with the Aura Institute's training to become a certified Integrative Trauma Coach and Practitioner. The nine-week Level-1 training introduces integrative, body-based approaches such as Foundational Somatics and Mindfulness (MBSR) through live lectures, breakout rooms, practices, and real-time demonstrations. Through firsthand experience, you'll develop a personal connection with these modalities, embodying their effectiveness as you integrate them into your practice. The Aura Institute fosters a supportive environment aimed at infusing excitement as you acquire new tools and techniques to enrich both your life and your clients'.

Certification: Integrative Trauma Practitioner (Levels 1 & 2)

Continuing Education: 40 Continuing Education (CE) credits

Length: 9 weeks (level 1)

Price: $2,800

Website: https://aurainstitute.org/

 2. IFS Institute – Level 1 

The IFS Institute provides training and certification in Inner Family Systems therapy, offering workshops, retreats, and online programs. Their mission is to bring more Self-leadership to the world. They provide IFS training for professionals, a practitioner directory for those looking for IFS-trained providers, and international learning opportunities for those exploring personal growth through IFS. 

Level 1 Trainings are comprehensive programs in which participants develop an understanding of the conceptual basis of IFS and learn how to apply IFS techniques to various clinical populations. A select group of IFS trainers teaches Level 1s using a format that features lectures, experiential exercises, video reviews, large and small group discussions, and small group practice sessions. 

Once Level 1 is complete, you may opt to continue on to Level 2 and 3 in order to become either an IFS Certified Therapist or an IFS Certified Practitioner. 

IFS Institute currently offers online trainings, and hybrid trainings that have a combination of online-only sessions and onsite-only sessions.

Certification: IFS Trained

Continuing Education: Continuing Education (CE) credits available

Length: 90 hours

Price: $3,990 – $5,300

Website: https://ifs-institute.com/ 

3. PESI

PESI’s course on Mastering Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addition, & More is an intensive online course featuring IFS creator Richard Schwartz, PhD, and IFS organization chairman Frank Anderson, MD, to learn, step-by-step, the transformative therapy model that can offer breakthrough healing of trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and more.

In this intensive online course, you'll discover the power of IFS therapy by seeing it in action through real-life in-session videos, as well as easy-to-follow, experiential instruction modules.

And when you register, you also get access to special bonus videos and resource clips to help you start using IFS therapy immediately in your practice — plus access to an exclusive Q&A call recording featuring Richard Schwartz and Frank Anderson.

Certification: certificate of completion

Continuing Education: 13.75 Continuing Education (CE) credits

Length: 2 modules + bonus material

Price: $299

Website: https://www.pesi.com/ 

4. The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy

IMP offers workshops, seminars, and training programs that integrate mindfulness practices with psychotherapy modalities, including IFS. These programs provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of IFS principles and techniques while also incorporating mindfulness-based approaches to therapy. Additionally, IMP offers resources such as books, articles, and online courses that explore the intersection of meditation and psychotherapy, providing valuable insights into the application of IFS in clinical practice. 

The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy Certificate Program is for psychotherapists and those in other helping professions. Applicants should have experience with mindfulness meditation.

This is a 9-month immersive training for mental health and other healthcare professionals in the application of mindfulness to psychotherapy and the delivery of care. Unlike many other professional programs, this program draws heavily on a deeper understanding of mindfulness in the context of a path of awakening, a strong commitment to the creation of a supportive learning community, and support for every student’s personal engagement with practice and the program material.

Certification: certificate of completion

Continuing Education:  60 Continuing Education (CE) credits

Length: 9 months 

Price: $4,750

Website: https://meditationandpsychotherapy.org/ 

5. Udemy – Internal Family Systems Therapy Course 

In this course, you’ll be introduced to Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). Learn top-line information about what Internal Family Systems Therapy is and how to use it. 

You’ll be able to understand how to identify different parts, emotions, and behavioral mechanisms of clients and yourself.

Through structured questioning, practitioners help clients recognize these patterns, understand their origins, and develop healthier behaviors. Similar to Schema Therapy, IFS involves inner child work, fostering self-awareness, and compassion. By assuming the role of the “Functional Adult,” individuals can cultivate new behavioral patterns and promote emotional well-being. 

Throughout the course, receive insights and practical advice on applying IFS in therapeutic settings and daily life including how to help clients and yourself to self-regulate as well as have internal dialogues, process difficult memories and emotions, how to soothe your emotions and use your Functional Adult and Self Energy. 

Certification: certificate of completion

Continuing Education: n/a

Length: 3.5 hours

Price: $84.99

Website: https://www.udemy.com/course/internal-family-systems-therapy-course/?couponCode=ST7MT41824