Individual & Group IFS Consultation
I love practicing and teaching the Internal Family Systems psychotherapy model. IFS has changed for the better the trajectory of my personal and professional life in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I discovered the model. I believe completely in what we do with IFS. I would be honored to walk with you as you learn what it means to be an IFS therapist.
Together we can carve a path of increased mastery of this great psychotherapy tradition. I’ve outlined below the principles I practice as an IFS informed consultant. These principles come to me by way of IFS lead trainer, Dan Reed, and his colleague, Ray Wooten, see below.
Together we will recognize and practice the following key concepts of IFS.
We recognize explicitly that when parts hijack our system, learning and recall are impacted, and we get stuck.
We address stuck points in learning for the IFS therapist through:
- Individual and group consultation
- The U-turn and unblending
- Video or audio review
- Case presentation
- Role play and sculpting with members of the group
- Teaching and learning
- We contract explicitly and repeatedly asking “Is this helpful to focus on, right now?”
We are explicitly aware of and honor the difference between IFS informed consultation and IFS therapy.
The goal in IFS informed consultation is professional development and skillset acquisition.
The goal in IFS therapy is to heal the parts of the client, and improve the general wellbeing of the client.
- To that end we are always aware of the IFS therapist’s right to privacy.
- We contract repeatedly, asking “Is this helpful to focus on right now, or…”
- “Would you like to take this to your individual therapist. It’s your decision, not mine.”
- We recognize explicitly and honor the IFS therapist’s right to privacy in these instances.
- This level of explicit, consistent contracting sets and holds the frame for both therapist and consultant.
- Holding this frame seeks to ensure safety for all parts of the IFS therapist and consultant.
The IFS therapist and consultant exist in a state of multiplicity.
We work explicitly to promote Self-leadership in both the IFS therapist and consultant.
- Both the IFS therapist and consultant may need to unblend in any given hour.
- It is incumbent on the IFS consultant to acknowledge when they are blended and make a repair when indicated.
The principles enumerated above are described in greater detail in a paper by IFS lead trainer Dan Reed and Ray Wooten in Emma Redfern’s collection of essays entitled, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Supervision and Consultation (2023).
Group Consultation Guidelines
Group Format
- We review one case per session
- We focus on
- 6FS
- Retrieval
- Witnessing
- Unburdening
- Work the parts of the therapist as they rise and fall
Group Expectation
- Total group time is 90 minutes
- We start and end on time
- We start with 3-5 IFS parts based meditation
- 3 minute individual check in
- $65 per participant per session
Ray is a highly skilled IFS clinician and consultant! I have had the honor of knowing Ray since we completed level one together in 2007. His decades of experience have been fortified with an enthusiastic dedication to continuous in-depth learning of the IFS model. He has trained with multiple lead trainers, participated in individual and group supervision. His willingness to apply the model is consistent, honest and refreshing. Kind and authentic, Ray creates an accepting, calm space. Ray’s presence and knowledge make him an incredible guide who can help people discover the amazing benefits of IFS. Ray is always aiming to live in a Self- led way-which, for everyone, is a practice. Ray is committed to that practice. I am always grateful when I have the opportunity to consult with him.
When I PA’ed for the first time, I had privilege of assisting with Ray. When I was struggling with a part during a staff meeting, he took the extra effort to reach out and let my part feel seen and witnessed. This created so much more safety for my system in the training. He’s doing the work; he walks his talk. And it was so healing for my parts to be held in that container by a white, cis man.
It has been my privilege to be friends and colleagues with Ray Howard since we completed Internal Family Systems Level 3 with Dick Schwartz. Between shared peer led and lead trainer consultation groups, Ray has repeatedly demonstrated excellence with the IFS model. His natural curiosity and deep caring is why I refer clients to him for therapy and consultation.
Secure Your Spot in an Upcoming Group!
📩 Contact me today to learn more about upcoming groups, pricing, and availability!
Email: rayhoward@ifsacc.com
