Training for Regional Agencies

Agency Training Options Now Available

SLCA offers on-site and virtual training for agencies throughout the region. Workshops may introduce the foundations of IFS™, address more advanced clinical topics, or be customized to meet your agency’s specific needs. Each training includes hands-on, experiential learning for your clinical staff.

Basics of IFS™ Workshop: Introduction to IFS™

This workshop introduces the Internal Family Systems™ model to clinical therapists. It offers an experiential overview of core concepts for those seeking guidance on using an IFS™-informed approach with a wide range of clinical presentations. Attendees leave with an understanding of the IFS™ paradigm and concrete tools to begin practicing with clients.

Learning Objectives

  • Core Principles: Understand the foundational principles of the IFS™ model.
  • Internal System Tracking: Identify different parts of the internal system and begin mapping parts of your own system.
  • The 8 Cs: Recognize and cultivate the core qualities of Self-energy.
  • Session Architecture: Develop a practical understanding of the opening steps of an IFS™ session.

Ideal For: Clinicians seeking introductory steps of IFS™. Fully experiential with small breakout practice sessions.

Advanced Practice: Navigating Extreme Protectors

With an emphasis on substance-use firefighter parts, this advanced training explores extreme protector parts involved in self-harm, eating disorders, compulsive behaviors, and aggressive outbursts. Clinicians learn to identify and compassionately approach these powerful responses to underlying pain.

Learning Objectives

  • Firefighter Dynamics: Identify firefighter parts and understand their roles within the internal system.
  • Target Part Proficiency: Strengthen precise identification of target parts within the model.
  • Systemic Permission: Recognize the importance of gaining internal safety and permission.
  • The 6Fs Framework: Learn and practice applying the 6Fs with firefighter protectors.
  • Self-to-Part Integration: Build practical skills for creating healthier relationships with extreme parts.

Ideal For: Clinicians with a basic understanding of IF™ who provide individual or family therapy. Includes experiential breakout practice.

Workshop Details & Logistics

Duration 4.5 hours of training time, with built-in breaks included.
Location Secure Zoom video platform or on-site at your facility.
Capacity Up to 40 attendees for virtual sessions. On-site capacity is based on the available physical space.
Continuing Education Four CE hours are designed into the training. Approval is requested from the West Virginia Board of Social Work and West Virginia Board of Counseling upon scheduling. Certificates are delivered within seven business days after completed evaluations are received.

Partnership Roles

What SLCA Provides

  • Certified IFS™ training professionals
  • Comprehensive digital workshop materials
  • Secure Zoom infrastructure for virtual training
  • Management of continuing education credits
  • Co-led by: Susan Millham, MSW, LICSW, IFS-C, and Holly Thomas, MSW, LICSW, AADC, MAC, IFS™-C

What Your Agency Provides

  • Internal marketing and communication of workshop details
  • Participant roster coordination, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers
  • An appropriate physical workshop space for on-site training

Bring SLCA Training to Your Agency

Partner with us for one of the available workshops or begin a conversation about a customized training designed around your clinical team’s needs.

Discuss Agency Training