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

Chris Burris and Dick Schwartz

In this learning program, Chris Burris will discuss the art of negotiation in IFS, working with challenging clients, and getting to workable contracts. 

The first module covers what Self-led negotiation looks like. In the second module, you’ll learn how to distinguish when you’re in self energy. Chris will share how to negotiate with protectors and also negotiate around getting workable contracts. In the third module you’ll learn more about contracts, specifically what to do when you  get stuck. In the last module Chris will cover how to work with challenging protectors. 

This learning program was held live in Spring 2022. You can now access a recorded version of the program and learn at any time, at your own pace. During each module, you’ll first watch a teaching video with Chris Burris which includes experiential exercises. Then you’ll learn from IFS Founder Dick Schwartz, either by reviewing video demos of his work with clients or by watching as he provides case consultations. Finally, at the end of each module, you’ll watch a recording of Chris’ live event in which he answered learners’ questions.

An IFSI Certificate of Completion will be available upon completion of this program. Your completion status will be tracked automatically as you progress through the program modules. Once you have completed all program modules, and watched all videos in their entirety, you will receive a Certificate that acknowledges you have received 14 IFS Credits for completing this program. Professional continuing education credits are not currently available for this learning 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.



Meet Your Instructors

Chris Burris

Chris Burris, LPC, LMFT has been an IFS therapist since 1999 and is trained as a marriage and family therapist. He utilizes mind/body approaches of therapy in alleviating traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety disorders. He has worked extensively with couples, families, teenagers, and children and is an AAMFT approved supervisor. Since 1990, he has been very active with men groups and rites of passage programs. As the former Director of Counseling at The North Carolina School of the Arts, Chris has considerable experience with performance enhancement for artists, actors, filmmakers, musicians, writers, and dancers. A current passion is to help individuals explore the second half of life opportunities, defining purpose and making sacred choices for improving the world. He is currently in private practice in Asheville, North Carolina.

Dick Schwartz

Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic model that de-pathologizes the multi-part personality. His IFS Institute offers training for professionals and the general public. He is currently on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, and has published five books, including No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Dick lives with his wife Jeanne near Chicago, close to his three daughters and his growing number of grandchildren.

Program Content

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Program Includes

  • 4 Modules
  • 12 Lessons
  • 14 IFS Credits
  • Program Certificate