About this program:
This program introduces an IFS-informed approach to facilitating therapy groups, from getting started to navigating challenging group dynamics. Led by Sue Richmond, the course explores how to introduce IFS concepts in a group setting and support participants in speaking for their parts rather than from them. You’ll learn how to work skillfully with the storming phase of group development using IFS principles, without pathologizing participants or their parts. The program also addresses the facilitator’s internal system, offering guidance for working with therapist parts that become activated while leading groups. This course is designed to support greater Self leadership, connection, and safety in group-based work.
This learning program was held live in Fall 2021.
Module 1: Foundations of IFS-Informed Group Work
This module provides an overview of how to start an IFS-informed therapy group, from gaining participant buy-in to introducing IFS language and concepts. You’ll explore three distinct approaches to using IFS in groups and learn how to support unblending and speaking for parts to foster greater Self leadership and connection.
Module 2: Facilitating IFS Groups: A Live Demonstration
This module features an unscripted recorded demonstration of Sue Richmond facilitating a closed IFS-informed therapy group. You’ll observe how group structure, facilitation, and IFS principles are applied in real time, with reflection on the process at the beginning and end of the session.
Module 3: Working with Group Dynamics Through an IFS Lens
This module focuses on navigating the “storming” phase of group development through an IFS lens. You’ll learn how to understand and repair challenging group dynamics without pathologizing participants, while supporting unblending, Self leadership, and relational healing.
Module 4: The Facilitator’s Internal System & Practical Considerations
This module centers the role of the facilitator and explores how to work with therapist parts that become activated while leading groups. You’ll also examine distinctions between therapy, consultation, and agenda-driven groups, along with practical considerations for starting and sustaining an IFS-informed group.
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.
Meet Your Instructors
Sue Richmond
Sue Richmond, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who started in the health care field in 1989 and has been practicing individual and group psychotherapy since 1997. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Keene State College, and her Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut, with a specialization in social group work and casework. Sue works with people living with a wide range of disorders including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and a variety of stress-related disorders resulting from difficult life transitions. She has brought her skills into the classroom teaching as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the Social Work department at the University of Saint Joseph as well as teaching psychiatry residents, nursing students, social work, psychology and chaplain interns about individual and group psychotherapy at the UConn Health Center. She brings to her practice life experience and a deep desire to assist others in psychological and spiritual healing. Her intention for her clients is that they feel uplifted and more closely aligned with their hearts’ true desires as a result of engaging in therapy.
Richard C. Schwartz
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective, therapeutic model with a growing evidence base, that de-pathologizes the multi-part personality. Richard is also the Founder of the IFS Institute that primarily offers training for professionals. He is currently a Teaching Associate in Psychiatry, at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate. Richard has authored or co-authored more than ten books on Internal Family Systems and related topics, including No Bad Parts and Internal Family Systems Therapy. He lives near Chicago with his wife Jeanne, Vice President of the IFS Institute, close to his three daughters and six grandchildren.
Program Content
