The Art of Negotiation in IFS Sessions: Challenging Protectors and Workable Agreements

About this program:

This program explores the art of Self-led negotiation in IFS therapy, with a focus on working skillfully with challenging protectors. You’ll learn how to distinguish Self energy from helper parts, negotiate workable agreements, and support forward movement when the therapeutic process becomes stuck. The course offers practical guidance for bringing greater clarity, collaboration, and ease to complex clinical work. 

This learning program was held live in Spring 2022. 

Module 1: Self-led Negotiations in IFS Therapy

This module introduces Self-led negotiation and explores how healing unfolds when Self-energy leads the therapeutic process. You’ll examine how both receptive and active forms of Self-energy support collaboration and healing. 

Module 2: Differentiation Self-energy from Helper Parts

This module focuses on distinguishing Self-energy from helper parts within the facilitator’s system. You’ll learn how identifying when parts are leading supports greater ease, attunement, and effectiveness in IFS sessions. 

Module 3: Creating and Updating Workable Agreements

This module explores the role of workable agreements in supporting forward movement in therapy. You’ll learn how to create and update both overarching therapeutic agreements and in-session agreements when the therapeutic process becomes stalled or stuck. 

Module 4: Working Effectively with Challenging Protectors

This module builds on the foundations of Self-led negotiation and workable agreements to support effective work with challenging protectors. You’ll explore common dynamics that contribute to getting stuck, including facilitator parts, external constraints, and burdens of shame. 

What’s included:

This course includes approximately 4 hours of core teaching on the program’s main topic, along with around 5 hours of recorded live Q&A sessions facilitated by the instructor. 

You’ll also get approximately 4 hours of exclusive bonus content featuring Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS. These recorded demonstrations and case consultations offer rare, behind-the-scenes access to see the model in action. While these sessions may not always align directly with the program’s primary theme, they’re designed to deepen your overall clinical understanding and help you see how IFS principles show up across different contexts. 

What are on-demand programs:

IFSI’s on-demand courses are recordings of some of our most loved advanced IFS programs led by IFS  trainers and thought leaders who bring deep experience and insight. Learn anytime, at the pace your system needs. 

Who is it for:

These offerings are ideal for those who are enrolled in or have completed IFS Level 1 Training, and those who have already participated in the IFS Online Circle. They’re designed to help you deepen specific skills, build confidence in niche areas, and feel more grounded in your work with clients. 

CE Credit & Certificate of Completion:

Please note that these programs don’t offer professional CE, but each provides 14 IFS CE Credits to support your IFS certification or recertification path. An IFSI Certificate of Completion will also be available upon completion of this program.  

Note: Materials and methods included in this course may include interventions or practices that are beyond your scope of practice. As a professional in your given field, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined by applicable law as beyond the boundaries of your practice, and applying your learning in compliance with your professional standards.