Individual & Group IFS Consultation
To apply IFS effectively, we must embody IFS.
I love to help people learn to do this. Understanding IFS and applying it can be two different experiences. We may possess a strong fundamental grasp of the model and still experience growing pains. When we work on the horizontal plane with the 6Fs, or the vertical plane–the healing part of the protocol, we must understand the broad strokes and the nuances of each. To complicate matters, parts of the therapist may develop concerns and blend and we get stuck. When this happens, we need to work with the part that’s blended, or we need to review where we’re stuck with the model. Both are common.
Together we will recognize and practice the following key concepts of IFS
Parts hijack our system, learning and recall are impacted, and we get stuck.
This is normal and expected.
We address stuck points through:
Individual and group consultation
Video or audio review
Case presentation
Role play and sculpting with members of the group
Teaching and learning
The U-Turn and unblending to promote Self to part connection
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.
We respect the privacy of the IFS therapist in consultation.
Together we focus on the following core IFS skills
Introducing the model
The 6 Fs
Unblending: Externalizing via Table Technique, Left Hand/Right Hand, Look into my Eyes
Direct access: Implicit, explicit, broadcast implicit direct access
Addressing the fears of protectors—spending appropriate time with protectors (Slow is Safe)
Build relationship with parts with patience, presence, curiosity, and attunement (Look into My Eyes, Mini-Pause Unblend)
Work effectively with polarizations
Contracting with exiles to not flood the system
Facilitate the development of the Self to Exile relationship at the pace and depth that is required, holding this as primary importance in the Healing Steps
The Healing Steps: Witnessing, Retrieval and Unburdening
I would be honored to walk with you as you deepen your relationship to this great psychotherapy tradition.
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
