IFS with Children & Adolescents

About this program: 

Children often communicate their inner worlds through play rather than words, especially in the presence of trauma, stress, or overwhelming experiences. This program integrates Internal Family Systems with play therapy to support children and adolescents in expressing, understanding, and healing their internal systems in developmentally appropriate ways. You’ll learn how to recognize and work with protective parts, developmental needs, and trauma responses through creative, relational interventions. Through the combination of IFS and Play Therapy, this course demonstrates how play, externalization, and direct access can support emotional regulation, communication, and connection. The program offers practical tools for helping children feel seen, understood, and supported in their healing. 

This learning program was held live in Summer 2024.

Module 1: Play Therapy from an IFS Perspective

This module introduces play therapy through an IFS lens, highlighting the conceptual shift required when working with children and adolescents. 

Module 2: The Child’s Protective System 

This module explores how protective parts develop and function within a child or adolescent’s system. You’ll examine how developmental stages shape protector roles and influence behavior. 

Module 3: Direct Access & In-sight Work with Children and Adolescents 

This module introduces in-sight and direct access as healing modalities when working with children and adolescents. You’ll learn when and how to apply each approach effectively. 

Module 4: Externalizing Parts with Children and Adolescents 

This module focuses on using externalizing techniques to support children in expressing their inner worlds through play. You’ll explore practical ways to use drawing, figures, LEGO, and sand. 

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.