An invitation from Dick Schwartz…
I’m thrilled to invite you to join our global community of advanced IFS learners in the Continuity Program. This offer is available to those who’ve completed an IFS Level 1 Training or Online Circle.
For over six years, we’ve developed programs focused on IFS applications of current clinical topics. We’ve witnessed a phenomenal community of thousands develop and connect from around the world.
I’m always excited to see how our IFS trainers and thought leaders are on the front lines of innovation with the model. The highlights for me are my monthly connections with the IFS Continuity community. During my live events, we provide opportunities for members to present case consultations, as well as selective review of client demonstration videos.
You now have two options for joining our Continuity Program.
- You can purchase an Annual Membership which includes 12 months of programming, a total of three courses.
- If you’re not ready to commit for an entire year, you can now make an Individual Purchase of just one course.
Enrollment is now open until January 31.
I look forward to you joining us!
— Dick Schwartz
Here’s what we’ll cover in the next program:
This program is designed to deepen clinicians’ understanding of rupture and repair within therapeutic relationships, emphasizing personal reflection, power dynamics, and clinical application. The series begins with inner awareness, guiding participants to recognize how their internal systems respond to rupture. Ruptures often stem from misattunements or unmet relational needs and when left unresolved, they harm the alliance and outcomes. When repaired, they can strengthen resilience and deepen trust.
Power dynamics will be addressed within each session as they are central to understanding rupture, particularly across different relational contexts—client, supervisor, partner, etc. Concepts such as the privileged and subjugated self-help clinicians recognize how social power influences therapeutic engagement. Clinicians will be encouraged to examine their own histories with rupture (ages 0–22), how protectors may show up in response to exiles that have been created in response to this history of rupture.
Tools for presence, self-awareness, and attuned intervention are provided to enhance therapeutic effectiveness. Through practical strategies, clinicians learn to stay embodied during rupture, support client repair, and integrate cultural sensitivity and power analysis to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Dick Schwartz, Ph.D., IFS Founder, began his career as a systemic family therapist and an academic, and he is now on the Faculty of the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is also a Senior Fellow of The Meadows, a treatment center in Arizona. Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves. In 2000, he founded the IFS Institute, which offers trainings and workshops in IFS for professionals and the general public, both in this country and abroad. A featured speaker for national professional organizations, Dr. Schwartz has published many books and over fifty articles about IFS.
Gwen Hurd, LCSW, is a Level 3 Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, Clinical Consultant, and Lead Trainer with the IFS Institute. She brings over 30 years of clinical experience to her role as Clinical Director at Sage Circle Counseling Center in St. George, Utah.
Gwen graduated in 1994 with her MSW from the University of Chicago. She began her IFS journey in 1998 and has served as a program assistant and trainer across levels of IFS training. Her background includes extensive work with at-risk youth and families, 17 years as a court-appointed Child Custody Evaluator, and teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She is licensed in Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Montana.
With a strong foundation in systems work and a deep respect for the healing power of Self-energy, Gwen offers clinical supervision, IFS consultation, and therapeutic services rooted in cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care. She is a featured guest on the Turning In podcast and author of the article Communication is Key in Total Health Magazine.
Margaret L. Conley, LCSW, MDiv, is a highly respected clinician, educator, and thought leader in the fields of trauma therapy, clinical social work, and faith-based mental health. As the Executive Director of MLC Consulting, LLC and President of Mending Life Concepts Empowerment Group, Inc., Margaret is dedicated to providing innovative, evidence-based mental health services and community education.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, Margaret specializes in trauma-focused therapy and crisis intervention. She is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist and Clinical Consultant, integrating IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, EMDR, and Adlerian Play Therapy into her clinical work. Margaret is also an Assistant Trainer with the Internal Family Systems Institute, playing a key role in training and mentoring clinicians in the IFS model. Additionally, as a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator and LEGO® Serious Play® Facilitator, she brings creative and experiential approaches to healing.
Margaret earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology with a concentration in child welfare services from Valdosta State University. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Clark Atlanta University in 2009 and her Master of Divinity (MDiv) at the Interdenominational Theological Center in 2013. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) at Eden Theological Seminary, an advanced degree for experienced ministry leaders seeking deeper theological study and reflection on the practice of ministry.
A bestselling author, speaker, and consultant, Margaret is committed to empowering individuals, communities, and faith-based institutions through education, trauma-informed care, and groundbreaking mental health initiatives. Her work continues to shape conversations around mental health, trauma, and faith, inspiring people to heal, grow, and thrive.
