Step 1
Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists
Discover how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can elevate your EMDR therapy practice!
Join us for two transformative days of live training, experiential learning, and hands-on practice designed to teach EMDR therapists the basics of IFS therapy.
Why Take This Course
Empower your therapeutic practice by integrating the transformative principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS) into your work. During this live, 2-day workshop, you will:
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Enhance Your Understanding of IFS Concepts
Gain a clear grasp of IFS fundamentals, understand the different types of parts, the healing power of Self-energy, and the Self to Part Relationship.
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Boost Confidence in Working with Complexity
IFS offers a framework to help clients safely explore their inner world, making it easier to address dissociation, defenses, and stuck points in EMDR and other trauma therapy models.
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Apply IFS Basics Through Hands-On Learning
Practice IFS in real time with support from our Program Guides, so you can begin using these skills right away. Experience the model personally while learning to apply it professionally!
We offer Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists in two learning formats so you can choose what works best for you!
Live, Virtual Workshops
Participate from anywhere to attend this 2 day experiential workshop via Zoom. Includes lecure, live demonstrations, and small group practice sessions with personalized guidance (3:1 or 4:1 participant-to-Guide ratio). A stable internet connection and quiet, private space is recommended for the virtual workshop.
In-Person Workshops
(Limited Locations)
Prefer to learn face-to-face? Join us for one of our limited selection of on-site workshops for a more intimate learning experience!
Upcoming Virtual Dates
Upcoming In-Person Dates
New Jersey:
April 25 & 26, 2026 (Sat/Sun)
9:00am-5pm EST
with Michelle Richardson
Location: Mindful Soul Center for Wellbeing
207 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
*15 minutes outside of Center City, Philadelphia
Arizona Workshop early 2027 TBD — click here to join the waitlist!
For Hotel Suggestions, email hello@syzygyinstitute.com
Course Details
Who Should Attend
- EMDR Therapists preparing for Syzygy's Step 2 IFS-Informed EMDR integration course
- Mental health professionals treating trauma who want a structured, experiential introduction to IFS therapy.
- Therapists who want to expand their skills in working safely with complexity, parts work, and relational healing.
Continuing Education Information
13 Continuing Education Credits approved by EMDRIA, ASWB, NBCC, and APA. For state specific information, please visit the CE Info Page.
- You must attend the entire training live to be eligible for credit. (in-person and virtual)
- Completion of the course evaluation required.
- No partial credit awarded.
How To Prepare
To get the most from the workshop, we recommend:
- Prior exposure to IFS therapy through books, podcasts, training, or personal therapy is helpful (although not required)
- Experiential training requires curiosity and compassion for yourself and others as you embark on a journey that includes connection, dialogue, peer interactions, and group practice.
What You Will Learn
Learning Objectives
1. Describe concerns about using the EMDR Standard Protocol without additional knowledge and skills.
2. Identify the unique advantages of IFS as an Ego State model for use in combination with EMDR.
3. Explain the makeup of parts and how IFS gathers information about parts as targets for processing.
4. Identify the three categories of parts in IFS.
5. List at least 8 unique qualities of the Self in IFS.
6. Discuss what blending with a part is, and the IFS process of unblending.
7. Explain what the IFS therapist does when a part won’t unblend.
8. Describe Witnessing and list the 6 F’s of Witnessing in IFS.
9. Explain the IFS concept of burdens.
10. Describe the two components of a Protector’s Positive Intention.
11. Recite the 3 ingredients of “Special Sauce” IFS witnessing ‘cadence comments’ and explain their importance in witnessing.
12. Discuss the role of the Self in IFS healing.
13. Identify two final IFS healing processes that follow witnessing.
Course Description
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful and well-established methodology for treating PTSD, but numerous concerns have been raised about its safety and efficacy when used in a context of complexity, such as significant attachment wounds, and multiple or complex trauma. Interweaving various formulations of ego state therapies (EST) has been described and utilized to support and enhance safe utilization of EMDR procedures (Paulsen, 2018; Shapiro, 2018; van der Hart et al.,2014; Forgash & Copeley, 2008).
Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) is an evidence based (Hodgdon et al., 2022) ego state therapy which offers unique qualities that match key components of the EMDR’s foundational Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. IFS methods have been utilized in the context of EMDR therapy to enhance therapist-client communication about their internal experience and trouble-shoot processing difficulties (O’Shea Brown, 2020; Gomez & Krause, 2013; Twombly & Schwartz, 2008).
Both IFS and EMDR have been described as experiential psychotherapies which can facilitate a form of neuroplasticity called memory reconsolidation, which uniquely unlocks and rewrites implicit memories that underlie many of the symptoms treated with these methodologies (Ecker et al, 2012). Some concepts and language from Coherence Therapy supports and clarifies key IFS concepts around exploring positive (adaptive) intentions behind symptoms with curiosity, compassion & persistence (i.e., Self-presence), while also mirroring the requisite dual attention condition for EMDR processing. These additional conceptual tools enable the IFS-informed EMDR therapist to more consistently generate juxtapositions (a critical condition required for memory reconsolidation), beginning in the Assessment Phase of EMDR and continuing through the subsequent phases of the EMDR Standard Protocol (Ecker & Bridges, 2020; Ecker et al, 2012).
In Syzygy Institute’s Step One: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential workshop, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage & family therapists are taught the basic outline and key concepts of the model with an opportunity to experience guided practice sessions in therapist and client roles, after seeing these exercises demonstrated live by workshop instructors, thus observing numerous examples of the process throughout the workshop. Course material is developed from standard IFS background texts & training manual (Schwartz & Sweezy, 2020; Anderson, 2021; Anderson et al., 2017) and each workshop is led by an instructor who has completed IFS training and certification by the IFS Institute.
Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential does not teach the integration of IFS and EMDR, although it describes the rationale for supplementing EMDR with an ego state model, and for choosing IFS as that model. For EMDR therapists without IFS training, this is an experiential IFS primer, providing the bare essentials necessary for adequate integration of the models in subsequent Syzygy Institute’s Step Two IFS-EMDR integration course: IFS-Informed EMDR 2-day.
Sample Agenda
Agenda
Day 1
Morning Lecture Concepts:
- Overview of IFS Therapy and Principles
- Parts: Managers, Firefighters, Exiles
- Burdens
- Self
- Flow of the Model
- Trailhead
- Identifying a Target Part
- 6Fs: Find, Focus, Flesh Out
Live Demonstration
Break-out Practice Session
Afternoon Lecture Concepts:
- Self-to-Part Relationship
- BeFriend
- Feel Towards
- Fears
Live Demonstration
Break-out Practice Session
Q&A
Day 2
Morning Lecture Concepts:
- Working with Blended Parts
- Therapist Parts
Live Demonstration
Break-out Practice Session
Afternoon Lecture Concepts:
- IFS Healing Steps
- Working with Exiles
- EMDR Integration
Live Demonstration
Break-out Practice Session
Q&A
Bibliography
Anderson, F. G (2021) Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems Informed Therapy. Eau Claire, WI: PESI Publishing. (LO3,4,5,6,7,8,9)
Anderson, F.G., Sweezy, M., & Schwartz, R.C. (2017). Internal family systems skills training manual: Trauma-informed treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD & substance abuse. Eau Claire, Wisconsin: PESI Publishing. (LO3,6,7,8,10)
Ecker, B., Ticic, R., & Hulley, L. (2012). Unlocking the Emotional Brain: Eliminating symptoms at their roots using memory reconsolidation. New York: Routledge. (LO10)
Ecker, B., Bridges, S.K. (2020) How the Science of Memory Reconsolidation Advances the Effectiveness and Unification of Psychotherapy. Clin Soc Work
J 48, 287–300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-020-00754-z (LO10)
Forgash, C. & M. Copeley, M. (Eds.), Healing the heart of trauma and dissociation with EMDR and ego state therapy. New York, NY: Springer publishing. (LO1)
Gomez, A. M. & Krause, P. K. (2013). EMDR Therapy and the Use of Internal Family Systems Strategies with Children, In A. M. Gomez, (Ed.), EMDR Therapy and Adjunct Approaches with Children (pp. 299–345). New York, NY: Springer publishing. (LO2)
Hodgdon, H. B.; Anderson, F. G.; Southwell, E.; Hrubec, W.; Schwartz, R. C. (2022) Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Survivors of Multiple Childhood Trauma: A Pilot Effectiveness Study. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. Jan2022, Vol. 31 Issue 1, p22-43. 22p. 1 Diagram, 1 Chart, 1 Graph. DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2021.2013375. (LO12)
O’Shea Brown, G. (2020) Internal Family Systems Informed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: An Integrative Technique for Treatment of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, International Body Psychotherapy Journal, 19 (2). (LO2)
Paulsen, Sandra. (2018). Neuroaffective Embodied Self Therapy (NEST): An Integrative Approach to Case Formulation and EMDR Treatment Planning for Complex Cases. Frontiers in the Psychotherapy of Trauma and Dissociation. 2. 135-159. 10.46716/ftpd.2017.0009. (LO1)
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Basic principles, protocols and procedures (3rd ed.) New York, NY: Guilford Press. (LO1)
Twombly, J. H., & Schwartz, R. C. (2008). The integration of internal family systems model and EMDR. In C. Forgash & M. Copeley (Eds.), Healing the heart of trauma and dissociation with EMDR and ego state therapy (pp. 295–311). New York, NY: Springer publishing. (LO1,2)
Schwartz, R.C. & Sweezy, M. (2020). Internal Family Systems Therapy (2nd ed.). New York NY: Guilford Press. (LO3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13)
van der Hart, O., Groenendijk, M., Gonzalez, A. Mosquera, D., Solomon, R. (2014).
Dissociation of the Personality and EMDR Therapy in Complex Trauma-Related Disorders: Applications in Phases 2 and 3 Treatment
Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, Volume 8, Number 1, 2014.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.8.1.33 (LO1)
Course Pre-Requisites
Step 1: This is an introductory course to IFS Therapy. Suggested preparation includes any form of self-learning in the model such as relevant reading, podcasts, being a client of IFS Therapy, etc.
Non-EMDR therapists are also welcome to take this course.
Step 2: EMDR Basic Training and Syzygy Institute Step 1.
Step 1 is waived if you have taken IFSI Level One.
Step 3: Syzygy Institute Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR
See more in the FAQ about IFS background and training requirements.
Other Syzygy Courses:
Digital Courses will be most helpful if you are EMDR Basic Trained and have some IFS knowledge.
The Overture of the Syzygy Model course is geared towards EMDR or IFS therapists interested in the integration. No Syzygy training pre-requisite.
The integration of IFS into my EMDR practice has been a 'game changer'. It has provided me with a framework to be more effective in my work and as an EMDR Consultant, it has assisted me in providing a new framework for Consultees finding themselves stuck in their work with clients. I continue to recommend my EMDR Consultees to explore the Trainings offered through Syzygy.
See what our participants are saying about this course!
The most beneficial course I have ever taken. Perfect from start to finish with the teaching to the break out sessions. 100% worth your time.
This was over and beyond a phenomenal training. I am amazed at how organized and interactive it was. I also love having the guides that offer such great advice and support. Overall incredible.
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Don’t Miss Out on Future Workshop Dates and Early Registration Opportunities!
Frequently Asked Questions
about our Experiential Workshops
What can I expect at an IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program Workshop?
Our experiential workshops all follow a similar schedule which includes: lecture, live demonstrations with audience volunteers, and experiential practice groups.
Workshops are capped at 30 participants and often have up to 10 program guides in addition to the trainer(s). This allows for a more connected training experience over Zoom.
Some in-person workshops are capped lower depending on available space and staffing.
Practice sessions occur 3-4 times over the course of the workshop. Although usually these are triads or foursomes. Program Guides lead the practice session.
Q&A opportunities happen throughout the workshop.
What is an experiential practice session?
Practice sessions are opportunities to apply what you're learning in professionally guided practice sessions. Each participant rotates through the roles of therapist, client, and observer.
To foster connection and community, groups will rotate throughout the workshop. This allows you to engage with a variety of participants, experience different "clients," and navigate new situations in a supportive environment.
This workshop is a professional development experience, and while personal insight may arise, practice sessions are not intended to be therapy.
The primary focus is on the learning process for the person in the therapist role. If you are in the client role, we encourage patience as your therapist learns, pauses, reflects, resets, or consults with the program guide.
We trust you to take care of yourself during these sessions and our program guides are an additional layer of support due to the vulnerability of experiential learning experiences, regardless of the role you are in.
I am not IFSI Level 1 trained but have taken other IFS trainings before. Do I have to take Step 1?
In order to be waived from Syzygy Institute Step 1, your prior IFS training experience must have included experiential practice sessions. If you have participated in a training of this nature, you can email the training info and request Step 1 to be waived at: CEdirector@syzygyinstitute.com.
We will not waive Step 1 for webinars, digital courses, or live lecture courses such as the IFS Institute Online Circle, PESI, and other such courses.
This requirement is in place so that our participants have both a beneficial and safe learning experience with the IFS-Informed EMDR integration in Step 2 and 3 courses. IFS scaffolding is necessary for integrating these modalities safely and effectively.
Do I need to be an EMDR Therapist to participate in Syzygy Institute workshops?
Non-EMDR therapists are welcome to participate in our Step 1 Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists and will benefit from this experiential introduction to the basics of IFS therapy!
Will I receive Continuing Education credit for this workshop?
YES. Syzygy Institute is an approved provide by several entities including EMDRIA, IFS Institute, NBCC, ASWB, and APA. Please see our continuing education page for course specific approvals. Please note: You must be in attendance for the entire duration of the workshop.
I have to miss part of the workshop. Will I still get continuing education credit?
You must attend live workshops in their entirety in order to receive continuing education credit. No partial credit will be given.
Note: Please review our Cancellation Policy before making changes to your workshop plans.
If I am a therapist that has advanced training, can I skip ahead to Step 3: Discovery & Beyond?
No. Step 3 builds upon the Syzygy Model of IFS-Informed EMDR. Therefore, you must complete Step 2.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program Workshops (Step 1, 2, 3)
Cancellations and transfers are allowed up to 30 days before the event start date, subject to a $75 administrative fee.
No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within 30 days of the event.
If you request a transfer within 30 days of the event, it may be possible only if your spot can be filled from a waitlist (if one is available) and there is an open spot in a scheduled workshop for you to transfer into. A $150 administrative fee will apply to this transfer due to the additional time and resources required.
Overture of the Syzygy Model Training
Refunds are permitted until 30 days before the event date. Requests for refunds or transfers within 30 days of the event will not be approved.
Digital Courses
No cancellations or refunds. Access is for 6 months.
Requests meeting the criteria listed above must be submitted to hello@syzygyinstitute.com. Please include your name, contact info, registration information (workshop, date), and the nature of your request (transfer/cancel).
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207 White Horse Pike
Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
Hello@SyzygyInstitute.com
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