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Introduction to Somatic IFS: An Embodied Approach to Healing Trauma

Susan McConnell and Richard C. Schwartz

In this learning program, Susan McConnell, the developer of Somatic IFS, teaches five key somatic practices that she has integrated into the IFS model. You’ll learn about awareness, breath, resonance, movement, and attuned touch. You’ll leave this program with skills that will guide your work helping clients heal from trauma.

This learning program was held live in Fall 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 Susan McConnell 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 Susan’s live event in which she 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

Susan McConnell

Susan McConnell has taught IFS throughout the US and in Europe since 1997.  Her involvement as Senior Trainer with the Center includes developing training curricula, training IFS training staff, and designing and leading somatic psychotherapy retreats and seminars.  In her private practice in Chicago, Susan specializes in recovering the wholeness of body, mind and spirit, drawing from her bodywork and movement experience and her Buddhist practice. She brings commitment and passion to her work and her play with her partner and her dogs along Lake Michigan's shores.

Headshot of Richard Schwartz

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

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Program Includes

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