Introduction to Internal Family Systems Foundations & Deepening Foundations of IFS Practice 2+2 Day Workshop Series

Workshop Description

Part 1: Foundations of IFS Practice: An Experiential Introduction to the Model, Parts and Self

Two-day workshop, September 24^th to 25^th

Part 2: Deepening Foundations of IFS Practice: Working with Parts in Greater Depth

Two-day workshop, September 26^th to 27^th

The workshops can be taken separately or together. Admission to Part 2: Deepening Foundations of IFS Practice is open to anyone who has completed the Part 1: Foundations of IFS Practice (or a thorough Introduction to IFS workshop). Priority will be given to anyone who has registered for Part 1.

These two-day workshops are offered by IFS Ireland. The workshops introduce the principles and techniques of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in an experiential way with teaching, live demos, interactive discussion, internally focused exercises and guided practice.

The workshops are suitable for professionals e.g. counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, coaches, bodyworkers and other mental health and wellbeing professionals who are curious about IFS. The workshops may be helpful if you’d like to learn more about the model before taking a Level 1 training or are awaiting the start of a Level 1 and are eager to dive a little deeper into your understanding and experience of the model.

Introductory workshops provide the perfect opportunity to explore IFS for yourself before committing to a full training course. During these workshops, you’ll experience IFS personally and get a clear idea of what a full training course will give you. You’ll have the chance to ask questions about IFS and the training and meet members of the IFS Institute Training Team in Ireland.

IFS Ireland is pleased to share the good news that official Level 1 Trainings are held in Dublin, organised by IFS UK and the IFS Institute. These workshops can be used as a first step to decide whether the Level 1 IFS training programme is for you.

In these two-day workshops participants will have opportunities to:

• Explore and get an overview of the IFS model
• Practice foundational skills of IFS therapy
• Experience their own protective system
• Bring more compassion to themselves and others

Learning opportunities include:

• Live demos
• Teaching presentations
• Experiential exercises
• Interactive discussion
• Practice sessions
• Guided meditations

Workshop Presenters

Olivia Lester and Marie Tierney are IFS Lead Trainers, Therapists and Supervisors. They are passionate about introducing IFS to as many people as possible.

Workshop Details

Part 1

When: September 24^th and 25^th 2026

Time: 9am to 5pm Thursday and 9am to 3pm Friday

Part 2

When: September 26^th to 27^th 2026

Time: 9am to 5pm Saturday and 9am to 3pm Sunday

• Where: Dominican Retreat Centre, Tallaght, Dublin Google Maps
• Facilitators: Olivia Lester and Marie Tierney, IFS Lead Trainers
• Fee: The workshops can be taken separately or together. The cost is €395 for each 2 day workshop, or €750 for both workshops (4 days), payable on booking. The fee includes the workshop, a workshop booklet, lunch and refreshments on each day.
• Cancellation policy: If you need to withdraw, a refund (less €100 administrative fee) will be given up to August 28^th. No refunds are available after this date.
• Accommodation: is available as an optional extra. B&B costs €65 per person per night and can be booked directly with the Dominican Retreat Centre, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24, D24 KA40 Dominican Retreat Centre Contact Anita or Deborah 01-4048123 or 4048189 or dominicanretreats@gmail.com
• Open to all e.g. counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, coaches, bodyworkers, other mental health & wellbeing professionals who are curious about IFS
• Admission to Part 2 Deepening Foundations of IFS Practice is open to anyone who has completed the Part 1 Foundations of IFS Practice (or a thorough Introduction to IFS workshop). Priority will be given to anyone who has registered for Part 1.
• A certificate of attendance will be sent following the workshop
• The workshop is an introduction to IFS and not the core IFS training in the model
• Places are limited to 30 on each workshop
• Further Information: For further information or questions please contact Marie Tierney by e-mail marietierney@gmail.com

Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems is a unique and powerful way to learn about, to trust, and to love our parts and ourselves, as well as the parts and Self of others. IFS is the world’s fastest growing therapeutic framework because it makes intuitive sense: we all know we have different parts that live inside of us and sometimes they don’t agree with each other. IFS provides a road map to understand how these parts came into being, their function and how to validate and work with them with curiosity and compassion. It offers a model to explore your inner world to create more understanding, connection and hope for yourself and others.

Suggested Reading

While it’s not necessary to read any books before the workshop, people have asked us to recommend reading material and we suggest any of these introductory books may be helpful.

• The Internal Family Systems Workbook by Richard Schwartz
• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
• Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model 2nd Edition by Richard Schwartz

Testimonials from participants:

“Very engaging and well organised. The structure, pace, and experiential exercises made learning both accessible and meaningful.”

“The facilitators were highly knowledgeable, skilled, and genuinely warm. Their passion and authenticity created a very safe learning space.”

“Excellent demonstrations, plenty of time for questions, and clear explanations. It really encouraged reflection and new learning.”

“A gentle, respectful teaching approach with strong boundaries. Practical, informative, and easy to follow throughout.”

“Really interesting and practical training. I’ll definitely be integrating aspects of IFS into my clinical and reflective practice.”

“Both presenters were enthusiastic and deeply experienced—it was contagious. Great materials, role plays, and group interaction.”