Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory and therapy, developed by Richard Schwartz, is a powerful approach to helping clients transition from reactivity to a more conscious and calm state. It is particularly effective in assisting individuals to alter destructive relationship patterns. However, traditional IFS does not specifically address couples therapy. To fill this gap, Toni Herbine-Blank has adapted IFS into a relationship model known as Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO). This workshop will provide an overview of IFS theory as it applies to couples, focusing on both individual and couple healing and growth. While understanding the theory is essential, practical application is crucial. Participants will have the opportunity to learn specific skills for applying IFIO in couples work and witness the transformative power of IFS in these settings. 

Note: A basic understanding of IFS is necessary to fully benefit from this workshop.

Participants will receive 3 CEs following their conclusion of the course.

Gail Guttman, LCSW is a couples' therapist with a specialty in sex therapy and more than 30 years of experience. She offers the unique opportunity for clients to address their sexual concerns within the context of their relationship. She has been trained in Imago and IFS couples therapy and uses them in her work. Gail’s passion includes developing the theory and practice of integrating couples and sex therapy. She helps psychotherapists become more competent and confident in these areas. In her practice, she conducts ongoing consultation groups in which cases and theory are discussed, and an important support network for therapists is created. Gail conducts training workshops and seminars at professional associations and conferences and has been an ongoing presenter at the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute. She is also an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Sex Therapy Supervisor and CE Provider.

Additional Program Information:

Target audience: social workers, mental health professionals

Content level: Intermediate/Advanced

Learning objectives:

1. Name the four main components of Internal Family Systems Therapy.

2. Describe four questions you could ask a part to help it unblend in tracking a sequence.

3. Name the four steps in Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO).

Outline and Agenda:

9:00 - 9:15 - Introduction

9:15-9:30 - Overview of Internal Family Systems

9:30-10:30 - Internal Family Systems with Couples/Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO)

10:30-10:45 - Break

10:45-11:45 - Sequencing and Unblending

11:45-12:00 - Discussion and Questions

12:00-12:15 - Learnings

Course interaction and system requirements:

This live webinar hosted on Zoom is fully interactive. Attendees may ask and answer questions throughout the presentation (using their microphones and/or the chat option). System requirements for Zoom can be viewed at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for-PC-and-Mac.

Fee and registration:

Cost is $70-80 for 3 credits. Refunds are available for up to seven days prior to the program (this does not include TicketTailor fees). After that, we offer credit that can be applied to a future program. Registration is open until the course is full. In some cases, we will enable a wait list option once the course is full.

Course completion and CE info:

To attend CE credit, social workers must log in at the scheduled time, attend the entire program and complete an online evaluation at the end of the program.

Certificates will be emailed out within 7 business days following receipt of evaluation.

CE credit is currently available for social workers in all 50 states. All other professionals (including psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists) must confirm CE approval with their state board.

Bright Ideas Continuing Education, provider # 1757, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/19/2024-11/19/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.

Bright Ideas Continuing Education is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0781.

​Bright Ideas Continuing Education is also authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to provide social work continuing education.

Our credits are also accepted by the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners.

AASECT CEs are also available for psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Please email us at info@brightideasceus.com if you would like to receive AASECT CEs.

If you have any questions, concerns or special accommodation requests, please contact us at 410-575-3870 or info@brightideasceus.com.