Integrating IFS Therapy with Other Modalities

Are you curious about integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with other therapeutic approaches but unsure where to begin? This foundational workshop provides essential principles for thoughtful, effective integration that honors your clients, your level of training, and the integrity of the integrated models.

You’ll Learn:

• How to make Self-led decisions about when and why to integrate modalities
• Essential considerations: client preferences, presenting problems, cultural factors, and safety
• Minimum skill requirements for different therapeutic approaches (EMDR, Somatic Approaches, CBT, DBT, talk therapies, and more)
• How to navigate common client concerns about IFS language and concepts
• Practical strategies for transitioning between models while maintaining therapeutic momentum

Many therapists struggle with knowing how, why, and when to integrate EMDR into the IFS process. In this presentation, you will learn what EMDR is and how the phases of EMDR align with the IFS steps. The commonalities and differences of IFS and EMDR will be discussed. The benefits of integrating these two modalities, including the current research, risks, and limitations of integration will be explored.

You will learn the clinical signs that an IFS client could benefit from integrating EMDR interventions. You will also learn how an IFS/EMDR integrative treatment approach honors the nature of traumatic memory, particularly in working with clients with complex trauma histories.

Multiple options to integrate EMDR resources into the IFS befriending process will be taught and discussed. This integrative approach supports co-regulation, communication between the client’s Self and a target part, strengthens a client’s access to self-compassion, and fosters stabilization. You will learn and practice the self-tapping technique, STARR TM, and learn ways to seamlessly close an IFS session by integrating EMDR resources ethically and coherently. You will also learn when and how to transition to EMDR reprocessing within the IFS Steps. Treatment options of how to determine what to target in EMDR reprocessing will also be discussed.

Although Dick never studied hypnosis, he used it brilliantly and creatively. The most fundamental IFS techniques are derived from hypnosis, which helps clients utilize their imagination to alter their responses. This workshop will enable participants to be more aware of hypnotic phenomena so that they can employ them more consciously and effectively.

During this workshop, you will learn:

• The basic elements of hypnotic phenomena and how they relate to IFS.
• How to recognize hypnotically responsive parts.
• How to utilize hypnotic responses with intention in IFS therapy.
• To become more adept at utilizing your client’s imagination as a resource.

This workshop offers practical ways to bring together Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) to help clients heal from trauma and restore a sense of wholeness. IFS provides a clear map for understanding a client’s inner parts and accessing the Self, our natural state of calm, curiosity, and compassion. SP offers a body-centered pathway for resourcing, regulation, and completing the protective actions that may have been interrupted during trauma.

In this workshop, we will explore how to move fluidly between IFS parts work and SP’s somatic interventions, so clients can stay grounded in the present while safely connecting with vulnerable parts. You will learn how SP’s attention to posture, movement, and body sensations can strengthen Self-energy, making it easier to approach and unburden parts.

You will discover how to combine these two models to support emotional regulation, resolve stuck trauma responses, and build a stronger connection between mind and body. By the end, you will have concrete strategies to help clients move from survival patterns toward a more empowered, embodied way of living.

“Find it in the body” is a core component of the IFS therapeutic process. This seminar explores how somatic practices can be seamlessly integrated into the Internal Family Systems (IFS) protocol. Participants will learn to recognize and welcome the somatic expressions of parts, naturally incorporating the body into a collaborative, ongoing healing process. Grounded in the flow of the IFS model, the workshop weaves together didactic teaching and clinical demonstrations to illustrate somatic interventions at each stage of the protocol. This workshop is designed for all who seek to deepen their skill and confidence in integrating somatic approaches for personal and professional IFS explorations.

Discover the revolutionary three-word shorthand that’s transforming how therapists practice IFS—even with clients who’ve never heard of parts work before.

The Move Toward Method: Notice, Know, Need
This elegantly simple tool captures the essence of IFS in three powerful steps that facilitate IFS integration:

• Notice: Master unblending and establish authentic Self-to-part relationships.
• Know: Develop deep witnessing skills that honor each part’s experience.
• Need: Learn to equip parts effectively, allowing Self to naturally resume inner leadership.

Learn Why Move Toward Enhances Integration:

✓ No complex part categorization required—works without needing to differentiate protectors from exiles.
✓ Streamlines your IFS preparation for multimodal integration.
✓ Client-friendly tool they can use independently between sessions for ongoing self-to-part connection.

Walk away with a complete framework you can implement immediately, plus practical strategies for using this tool to facilitate IFS integration. Transform complex IFS theory into accessible, everyday practice.

Finally—an accessible IFS tool anyone can use!