Empower Yourself with IFS Tools That Work
Developed over the past four decades, the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model offers both a conceptual framework and a set of evidence-based techniques for healing trauma and fostering self-compassion.
Starting at
$495 SALE
Attend in Portland, live online, or read on below
November 6-7, 2025
10% off when you register 2 or more tickets
→ Use code GROUP10IFS
15% off when you register 3 or more tickets
→ Use code GROUP15IFS
Special guest announcement!
“I’m looking forward to presenting in Portland, Oregon. I’m excited to share that Dr. Jeanne Catanzaro, PhD and Vice President of the Institute will be joining me for this 2-Day workshop. We look forward to seeing you November 6th and 7th—it’s right around the corner.”
Dr. Richard Schwartz
The Treatment of Trauma and the Internal Family Systems Model
Dr. Richard Schwartz’s groundbreaking discovery that healing occurs when parts feel safe and the Self emerges is at the core of this training.
- ✔ Live Demonstrations with Dr. Schwartz & Dr. Catanzaro – Experience IFS in action as both IFS experts work with participants on stage.
- ✔ Deepen Understanding of the IFS Model to Treat Trauma – Learn how to create safety for clients and promote healing.
- ✔ Engaging live Q&A with Dr. Schwartz & Dr. Catanzaro – Ask questions and clarify concepts after each demonstration.
November 6-7, 2025
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM PT
Two ways to attend:
In-person in Portland, OR or Live Online
Venue:
The Ritz-Carlton, 900 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205.
Book your stay: Group rate for “IFS Institute with Dr. Richard Schwartz”
Earn up to 12 CE
CE Certificate included when requirements met*
Approved by NBCC, NASW, NASW-NJ, WAMFT, UPA and meets Oregon Counselor and Therapist CE requirements. More associations under review.
Course Overview
Join Dr. Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dr. Jeanne Catanzaro, Vice President and co-owner of the Internal Family Systems Institute, for a rare two-day intensive workshop exploring the power of IFS in trauma treatment. Through live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to create safety for clients’ parts, access the Self, and promote lasting internal healing. Whether attending in person at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, or online, this immersive training will equip you with practical tools to apply IFS in trauma treatment.
See IFS in action from live demonstrations with Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Catanzaro
This two-day live event will provide an introduction to IFS theory while emphasizing experiential learning through live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and small-group exercises. Whether you’re a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist, this program offers practical techniques you can apply immediately and a transformative learning experience to elevate your clinical practice.
Note: This IFS workshop is designed to teach skills, show the model in use and familiarize therapists with IFS techniques. Certification in IFS is only available through the IFS Institute. Learn more about becoming an IFS Certified therapist.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain the theory and foundational Internal Family Systems (IFS) concepts.
- Facilitate clients’ connection with their core Self to cultivate internal compassion and leadership.
- Apply IFS strategies to address resistive protective parts and enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
- Utilize IFS interventions to support the client’s Self in repairing attachment injuries.
- Identify the IFS model as an internal attachment framework.
- Describe the relationship between external and internal attachment styles.
- Explain the impact of trauma-related adaptations on Parts and Self.
- Implement IFS techniques to facilitate the healing of traumatized Parts.
- Cultivate self-awareness of the therapist’s internal Parts and their influence in the therapeutic process.
- Recognize client transference and apply IFS principles to maintain a Self-led therapeutic relationship.
- Apply IFS principles to manage therapist countertransference and maintain an unbiased therapeutic stance.
- Design treatment interventions using IFS techniques to promote the healing of wounded Parts.
Intended Audience & Prerequisites
Intended Audience
This training is designed for mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. It is suitable for practitioners at all levels—from those new to IFS to experienced professionals looking to refine their skills in direct service, supervision, or teaching.
Professionals from other fields not eligible for CE credits are welcome to attend and may request a Certificate of Attendance.
Course Prerequisites
No prior experience with IFS is required, and all mental health professionals are welcome to attend. While familiarity with the model and its terminology will enhance the learning experience, the live demonstrations and Q&A sessions with Dr. Schwartz and Dr Catanzaro provide valuable insights for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike. For those new to IFS, reviewing the Glossary of Terms and IFS Model Outline on the IFS Institute website before the training is recommended but not required.
About Richard Schwartz, PhD
Founder of Internal Family Systems
Dr. Richard Schwartz began his career as a systemic family therapist and academic, grounded in systems thinking. Through his clinical work, he developed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model in response to clients’ descriptions of distinct parts within themselves. By exploring the relationships among these parts, Dr. Schwartz identified systemic patterns in their organization across clients. He discovered that when these parts felt safe and relaxed, clients naturally accessed qualities such as confidence, openness, and compassion—attributes he termed the Self. In this state of Self, clients inherently knew how to heal their parts, transforming inner conflict into harmony.
A leading voice in psychotherapy, Dr. Schwartz is a featured speaker for national professional organizations and has published numerous books and over fifty articles on IFS. His contributions have positioned IFS as a globally recognized model for understanding and treating trauma, attachment wounds, and other psychological challenges.
About Jeanne Catanzaro, PhD
Vice President and co-owner of the Internal Family Systems Institute
Jeanne Catanzaro, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with more than thirty years of experience treating eating disorders, disordered eating, and trauma. She first trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, and EMDR before discovering the Internal Family Systems model, which has since become the foundation of her clinical work.
Jeanne is the author of Unburdened Eating, an IFS-based approach to healing relationships with food and the body. She has also contributed several book chapters on IFS and eating issues. In addition to her clinical and writing work, Jeanne serves as Vice President and co-owner of the Internal Family Systems Institute, where she helps guide the growth and teaching of IFS worldwide.
Join this rare, 2-day live event
Starting at $495 SALE
Reserve your place now! Attend in Portland or Live Online
November 6-7, 2025
Program Schedule
Times shown in Pacific Standard Time, schedule is subject to change
DAY 1
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Pacific Standard Time
| 7:30 AM 8:00 AM | In-Person Check-in Online Check-in |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM PST 9:30 MST 10:30 CT 11:30 ET |
Morning Session: Overview of IFS Theory and Principles |
| 10:00 AM | 15 Minute Break |
| 10:15 AM | Self and Trauma |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch on your own (60 minutes) |
| 1:15 PM | Afternoon Session: Repairing Attachment Injuries: Live Demonstration on Stage & Discussion |
| 2:45 PM | 15 Minute Break |
| 3:00 PM | The IFS Model as an Internal Attachment Model: Didactic & Observation |
| 4:30 PM | Close session |
DAY 2
Friday, November 7, 2025
Pacific Standard Time
| 7:30 AM 8:00 AM | In-Person Check-in Online Check-in |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM PST 9:30 PT 10:30 CT 11:30 ET |
Morning Session: The Effects of Legacy Trauma on Parts and Self |
| 10:00 AM | 15 Minute Break |
| 10:15 AM | Legacy Burdens: Live Demonstration on Stage & Discussion |
| 12:00 Noon | Lunch on your own (60 minutes) |
| 1:15 PM | Afternoon Session: Exiles & Unburdening: Video & Discussion |
| 2:45 PM | 15 Minute Break |
| 3:00 PM | Didactic, Live Demonstration on Stage, Q+A |
| 4:30 PM | Close Session |
Recommended IFS Books
The Internal Family Systems Workbook
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD | Sounds True | Dec 2024
The only official workbook from Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems, to meet, understand, and heal the parts of yourself…
Introduction to Internal Family Systems
Dr. Richard Schwartz | Pivotal Press | March 2023
A highly accessible introduction to a therapeutic approach that brings our inner “parts” into harmony and allows our core Self to lead…
No Bad Parts
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD | Sounds True | July 2021
In No Bad Parts, Dr. Schwartz introduces the Internal Family Systems model, showing how our ‘parts’ work together and how they can be healed…
You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD | Sounds True | May 2023
Dr. Richard Schwartz, the celebrated founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, offers a new way―a path toward courageous love that replaces…
Unburdened Eating
Jeanne Catanzaro, PhD | Bridge City Books | Sep 2024
This book offers a sustainable path to heal your relationships with food and your body. Based on Dr. Jeanne Catanzaro’s 25+ years working with trauma and eating issues, and informed by the insights of leading voices in the growing field of body liberation, …
No Bad Parts
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD & Bethany Hegedus
| Sounds True | Sept 2025
Dr. Richard Schwartz, creator of the globally renowned Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy, brings his groundbreaking work to kids—with the storytelling talents of children’s author Bethany Hegedus and the charming art of Kate Fedos…
What is Internal Family System (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a powerful, evidence-based model that helps people access their innate ability to heal. It views the mind as a system of distinct inner parts—some protective, some wounded—all led by the core Self. When people learn to access their Self, they naturally develop the clarity, compassion, and confidence needed to heal emotional wounds and create lasting change.
Unlike traditional therapy models that seek to eliminate or suppress painful thoughts and emotions, IFS recognizes that all parts serve a purpose. Just as a family functions best when every member feels heard and valued, our internal system thrives when all parts are understood and supported. The goal of IFS is not to get rid of difficult emotions but to help people build a relationship with them, leading to inner harmony and resilience.
While IFS is widely used in psychotherapy to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational struggles, its impact goes far beyond clinical settings. It provides a framework for personal growth, leadership, conflict resolution, and even organizational development. Educators, coaches, mediators, and spiritual leaders have embraced IFS as a tool for fostering connection, self-awareness, and transformation.
At its core, IFS is about Self-leadership—the ability to lead with balance and wisdom in both our inner and outer worlds. When connected to the Self, individuals naturally embody what IFS defines as the 8 Cs of healing and wholeness:
- Calmness – The ability to stay grounded and maintain inner peace, even in stressful situations.
- Curiosity – A genuine openness to understanding oneself and others without judgment.
- Compassion – Seeing beyond anger or reactivity to recognize the pain behind it, with a desire to help.
- Confidence – Trusting in one’s worth and ability to navigate challenges with Self-leadership.
- Courage – Facing fears, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and advocating for healing.
- Clarity – Seeing situations, emotions, and parts of the Self clearly, without distortion or projection.
- Creativity – Tapping into new ideas and possibilities free from shame or limiting beliefs.
- Connectedness – Feeling a deep sense of connection to all parts of oneself and to others.
Through IFS, individuals don’t just learn to manage their struggles—they learn to lead their lives with greater clarity, creativity, and connection.
In this Video Dr. Richard Schwartz explains Internal Family Systems.
Continuing Education Information
Course Completion Requirements
Please note that while we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding continuing education (CE) approvals, you, as a participant in this program, are responsible for verifying specific needs for your license. Requirements and instructions may vary depending on the accrediting bodies, professional organizations affiliated with your license, and each state’s licensing board. We try to align our workshops with relevant guidelines and standards issued by approved professional organizations listed below. However, it is advisable to confirm that the content and CE hours offered by our workshops meet the specific criteria set forth by your licensing board or organization.
- Attendance and Completion: Attendees must participate in the entire workshop to be eligible for CE hours. No partial credit will be given. This includes timely arrival to each session and staying for the entire duration of the workshop/training sessions. In addition to other online attendance tracking methods, we use Zoom attendee reporting to verify minutes your device(s) were connected to this session. If your Zoom user is under a different name or alias, it is your responsibility to notify the Zoom moderators.
- Verification of Attendance: You are required to follow a sign-in and sign-out process to verify attendance. Instructions will be provided for your program and format.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Attendees must complete an evaluation form or survey at the end of the workshop, no later than seven days after the program.
- Professional Responsibility: Attendees determine whether the workshop aligns with their professional development needs and whether the content applies to their practice. The completion certificate does not imply endorsement or certification of any specific technique, intervention, or approach.
- Course Certificate: There is no additional charge to receive a PDF completion certificate for this training. The evaluation form on the last day of the training will allow you to designate the association, your full name, and your license number as they should appear on your certificate.
Check back on this page as more CE information and approvals may be added leading up to the program.
Associations |
Approval No. |
CE Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Counselors | ||
| NBCC –Suncrest Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7258. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Suncrest Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. |
ACEP No. 7258 | 12 CE Hours |
| Social Workers | ||
| NASW – This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886691963-4205) for 12 continuing education contact hours. Category: Clinical Social Work |
886691963-4205 | 12 CE Contact Hours |
| NASW-NJ –
This course, The Treatment of Trauma and the Internal Family Systems, Approval #202488-3, provided by Suncrest Counseling is approved for continuing education by the New Jersey Social Work Continuing Education Approval Collaborative, which is administered by NASW-NJ. CE Approval Collaborative Approval Period: Thursday, August 8, 2024 through August 31, 2026. New Jersey social workers will receive 12 CE credits for participating in this course. |
202488-3 | 12 CE Credits |
| Psychologists | ||
| UPA – Approved by the Utah Psychological Association for 12 CE hours | – – | 12 Hours |
| Marriage & Family Therapists | ||
| WAMFT-Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
(for LMFTs, LMHCs,and LICSWs in Washington) |
Approved | 12 CE Credits |
| Completion Certificate: If your professional association is not listed, Suncrest Counseling will verify attendance and may issue a Certificate of Completion for 12 Lecture Hours to participants who attend all sessions, complete the live training, and submit the evaluation survey within 7 days. Please confirm with your state licensing board before registering to ensure that this program’s content and instructional hours meet their continuing education requirements. | ||
Important Disclaimer
This event includes live demonstrations where volunteers may role-play clients or share personal experiences as part of the learning process. These activities may be emotionally activating and could bring up past experiences for participants.
For in-person attendees, a trained IFS professionals may be available to provide support if you need to step out and process emotionally activated parts. Online attendees should alert moderators if support is needed and are encouraged to seek assistance from a licensed mental health professional as needed.
By attending this workshop, you acknowledge these risks and participate at your own discretion.
Speaker Financial Disclosures
Dr. Richard Schwartz is the Founder and President of the IFS Institute. He maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Harvard Medical School. He receives royalties as a published author and a speaking honorarium from Suncrest Counseling. Dr. Schwartz has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Accommodations
Suncrest Counseling is committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants. If you require additional accommodations, please contact candace@suncrestcounseling.com at least 10 days before the event.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to events@suncrestcounseling.com and will be honored as follows:
We can provide refunds minus a $75 cancellation fee if an attendee cancels at least ten days in advance. No refunds will be issued if registration is canceled within ten days of the webinar.
In the rare event that we need to cancel a webinar due to circumstances beyond our control, we will make every effort to notify attendees with as much advance notice as possible. Attendees will be allowed to transfer to another webinar or obtain a full refund.
We don’t provide refunds due to:
- Attendee technology problems: It is the responsibility of the webinar attendees to test their computer setup prior to the start of the webinar. If a technical failure at your home or workplace prevents access to the live webinar, you are not eligible for a refund. We will consider issuing a refund if the technical problem is due to our error.
- Attendee email issues: Refunds will not be issued in cases where an attendee did not receive the webinar login instruction email due to issues like restricted emails, bounced emails, or any other system issues. It is the attendee’s responsibility to contact us if they don’t receive the required login information at least 24 hours prior to the start time of the webinar.
- No shows: Attendees who do not participate in the live webinar will not be entitled to a refund.
Grievances
For any grievances or concerns, please contact events@suncrestcounseling.com. Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve future programs.
