Internal Family Systems
for Trauma-Sensitive Practitioners:
A Comprehensive Guide
A Live, 4-Part Series on the Integration of Internal Family Systems with Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness
What if you could transform your mindfulness teaching to skillfully meet trauma – while deepening your own practice?
Internal Family Systems, or IFS, offers a powerful framework to transform your trauma-sensitive work, deepen your self-understanding, and create profound healing for yourself and your clients.
Join us for a live, four-session training in mastering the art of IFS within Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness.
Featuring a special guest session with Dr. Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems therapy.
Hi there, I’m David Treleaven.
As the creator of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM), I’ve spent the past decade teaching people how to offer mindfulness practices safely and effectively. If you’re here, you likely know that this work matters – deeply.
In my continuous search for powerful, practical tools that actually work, I’ve encountered something extraordinary: Internal Family Systems (IFS). Created by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS offers a revolutionary framework for understanding and healing trauma through the lens of our internal “parts” and our core “Self.”
There’s a reason IFS has gained such momentum in recent years: it transforms lives. I’ve witnessed it firsthand, both with my students and in my own practice. It’s why I’m thrilled to finally bring IFS principles to our trauma-sensitive mindfulness community.
For this special training, I’ve partnered with my colleague Govinda Bader, MFT – one of the most gifted IFS teachers I know. Govinda has a remarkable ability to make IFS accessible and immediately applicable, whether you’re working with students, clients, or your own practice.
This isn’t just another methodology to add to your toolkit. It’s a profound framework that can:
- Deepen your understanding of how trauma shows up in mindfulness practice
- Offer practical tools for working with trauma responses when they arise
- Transform your personal relationship with your own practice and parts
- Empower you to guide others with greater confidence and skill
In this live, online training, Govinda and I will work with you directly to bring these frameworks to life. We’ll guide you through experiential practices, answer your questions in real-time, and support you in applying these tools to your unique context. This is hands-on, practical learning that will take both your work and personal practice to another level.
Below, you’ll discover exactly how this training can help you become an even more effective trauma-sensitive practitioner. You’ll learn why combining IFS with TSM creates such a powerful synergy, and how you can begin implementing these tools right away.
Thank you for being here, and for your commitment to this vital work.
Warmly,
Why Internal Family Systems for
Trauma-Sensitive Work?
IFS is a game-changer for Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness practitioners.
Here’s a few reasons integrating IFS into your TSM practice can be so powerful:
- Deeper Understanding of Internal Dynamics: IFS provides a powerful lens to understand the complex interplay of ‘parts’ within ourselves and our clients. This insight allows for more nuanced and effective interventions in trauma work.
- Enhanced Safety in Mindfulness Practices: Learn to recognize and work with protective parts that may arise during meditation, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for trauma survivors.
- Increased Efficacy in Trauma Work: By addressing the root causes of trauma responses, IFS helps create lasting change beyond symptom management.
- Powerful Self-Healing Tools: Gain personal and professional growth as you apply IFS principles to your own internal system, enhancing your presence and effectiveness as a practitioner.
- Bridge Between Mindfulness and Psychotherapy: IFS offers a unique integration of contemplative practices and psychological understanding, enriching both fields.
- Customized Approach for Each Individual: Learn to tailor your interventions based on each person’s unique internal system, moving beyond one-size-fits-all mindfulness techniques.
- Expanded Toolkit for Challenging Situations: Equip yourself with specific strategies to handle dissociation, emotional flooding, and other trauma-related challenges in mindfulness settings.
By mastering the integration of IFS and TSM, you’ll not only transform your professional practice but also deepen your own journey of self-discovery and healing. This course is your gateway to becoming a more skilled, insightful, and impactful practitioner in the realm of trauma-sensitive mindfulness.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
In this transformative course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM).
By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with:
IFS Foundations for TSM Practitioners
Understand the core concepts of IFS: parts, Self, and the internal system • Learn how to identify and work with Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles • Discover how IFS complements and enhances TSM practices
Advanced Trauma-Sensitive Techniques
Master the art of “unblending” to maintain presence with challenging experiences • Develop skills to safely approach and heal exiled parts • Learn to recognize and address trauma responses in meditation settings
Self-Leadership in Mindfulness Practice
Cultivate greater access to Self energy for yourself and your clients • Understand how Self-leadership enhances mindfulness and meditation experiences • Practice techniques to help clients maintain Self-energy during challenging moments
Practical Integration Strategies
Learn how to seamlessly incorporate IFS concepts into your existing TSM work • Develop a toolkit of IFS-informed mindfulness exercises and interventions • Understand when and how to shift between IFS and TSM approaches
Personal Growth and
Self-Application
Master the art of “unblending” to maintain presence with challenging experiences • Develop skills to safely approach and heal exiled parts • Learn to recognize and address trauma responses in meditation settings
Working with Specific Trauma Challenges
Address common obstacles in trauma-sensitive mindfulness using IFS • Learn strategies for working with dissociation, emotional flooding, and resistance • Understand how to create safety for clients with complex trauma histories
Ethical Considerations and Professional Development
Navigate the ethical considerations of integrating IFS into mindfulness contexts • Learn how to explain IFS concepts to clients and students in accessible ways • Develop a plan for continued growth and learning in IFS and TSM
Through a combination of teaching, live demonstrations, experiential practices, and Q&A sessions, you’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. You’ll leave this course with a transformed understanding of trauma work and mindfulness, ready to offer deeper, more effective support to your clients and students.
Course Structure
Our Internal Family Systems for Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Practitioners course combines live interactive training with exclusive pre-recorded content. Here’s your complete learning journey:
Core Live Training Experience
- 4 Live Interactive Sessions (75 minutes each)
- Every Tuesday starting January 7th, 2025
- 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Pacific Time
- Recordings and handouts available immediately after each session
What Makes Each Live Session Special:
- Direct teaching from David Treleaven and Govinda Bader
- Live demonstrations of IFS techniques in real TSM scenarios
- Guided experiential practices you can use immediately
- Interactive Q&A to address your specific challenges
Live Session Journey:
Session 1
Introduction to IFS and Listening to Parts
Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, 9-10:15am Pacific Time
- Origins and core concepts of IFS
- Understanding multiplicity of mind
- Practical exercise: Identifying and listening to your own parts
Session 2
Working with Protectors and Unblending
Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, 9-10:15am Pacific Time
- Deep dive into Managers and Firefighters
- Techniques for unblending and accessing Self
- Experiential practice: Getting to know a protective part
Session 3
Accessing Self and Self-Leadership
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, 9-10:15am Pacific Time
- Exploring Self energy and its qualities
- Relevance to mindfulness practices
- Guided meditation: Connecting with Self energy
Session 4
Working with Exiles and Integration
Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, 9-10:15am Pacific Time
- Understanding Exiles and their burdens
- The unburdening process
- Practical integration of IFS into TSM work
All live sessions are recorded and made available within 24 hours, ensuring you never miss any content even if you can’t attend live.
Exclusive Pre-Recorded Bonus Content
A Conversation with Dr. Richard Schwartz
- An intimate, in-depth discussion between David and the founder of IFS
- Exclusive insights into applying IFS within mindfulness contexts
- Special focus on trauma-sensitive adaptations of IFS principles
- Available immediately upon registration
Special Training: AI-Enhanced IFS Practice
- Cutting-edge approaches to integrating AI tools with IFS work
- Practical guidelines for ethical and effective use of AI
- Real-world applications for supporting students and clients
- Access at your convenience
The bonus sessions are available on-demand from day one, allowing you to begin your learning journey immediately.
Meet Your Instructors
David Treleaven, PhD, is a writer, educator, and trauma professional whose work focuses on the intersection of trauma, mindfulness, and social justice. He is the author of the acclaimed book “Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness” and has trained thousands of practitioners in the art of trauma-sensitive mindfulness.
With decades of experience in both mindfulness and trauma work, David brings a unique perspective to the integration of IFS and TSM. His approach is known for being practical, compassionate, and grounded in cutting-edge research. David’s teaching style combines academic rigor with real-world applicability, ensuring that participants can immediately apply what they learn to their professional practice and personal lives.
Govinda Bader, MFT, an experienced IFS therapist and teacher, bringing over a decade of expertise in applying IFS to various therapeutic and mindfulness contexts. His compassionate approach and deep understanding of the IFS model make complex concepts accessible and practical.
Govinda assisted trainings for the IFS Institute from 2013-2017 and has taught IFS workshops for counseling centers across the Bay Area. His teaching is characterized by warmth, clarity, and a gift for bringing IFS concepts to life through vivid examples and experiential exercises.
Together, David and Govinda offer a powerful combination of expertise in Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness and Internal Family Systems. Their collaborative approach ensures that participants receive a well-rounded, integrative learning experience that bridges theory and practice.
Special Guest: Richard Schwartz, PhD
As a special bonus, this course features an exclusive session with Richard Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems therapy. Dr. Schwartz will share insights on the intersection of IFS and mindfulness, offering participants a rare opportunity to learn directly from the creator of this transformative model.
With this exceptional team of instructors, you’ll benefit from a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and innovative approaches to integrating IFS with trauma-sensitive mindfulness work. Join us for a truly unique learning experience that will transform your practice and deepen your understanding of trauma, mindfulness, and the internal world.
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for practitioners who want to deepen their trauma-sensitive approach and integrate the powerful framework of Internal Family Systems into their mindfulness work. It’s especially suited for:
No prior experience with Internal Family Systems is required, and some familiarity with trauma-sensitive principles is helpful. This course is designed to meet you where you are and take your practice to the next level, whether you’re new to these concepts or looking to deepen your existing knowledge.
Join us to transform your approach to trauma and mindfulness, and become a more effective, compassionate practitioner in your field.
- Mindfulness Teachers and Instructors: Enhance your ability to create safe, trauma-informed meditation spaces • Learn to recognize and address trauma responses during mindfulness practices • Expand your toolkit for supporting students with trauma histories
- Psychotherapists and Counselors: Bridge the gap between talk therapy and mindfulness-based approaches • Enhance your trauma-informed practice with IFS techniques • Learn to integrate mindfulness and parts work for more effective healing
- Yoga Teachers: Understand how to create trauma-sensitive yoga experiences • Learn to use IFS concepts to support students’ emotional processes during practice • Develop language and techniques for addressing trauma responses in the body
- Healthcare Professionals: Integrate mindfulness and IFS concepts into patient care • Enhance your ability to work with patients with trauma histories • Learn self-care techniques to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue
- Coaches and Personal Development Professionals: Add depth to your coaching practice with IFS and TSM principles • Learn to guide clients through internal conflicts using parts work • Enhance your ability to support clients in achieving lasting change
- Educators and School Counselors: Bring trauma-sensitive mindfulness practices into educational settings • Learn to support students dealing with trauma and stress • Develop skills for creating safer, more inclusive learning environments
- Social Workers and Community Leaders: Enhance your ability to support trauma survivors in various settings • Learn to facilitate trauma-sensitive group mindfulness practices • Gain tools for community healing and resilience-building
- Spiritual Directors and Pastoral Counselors: Integrate IFS concepts with spiritual practices • Enhance your ability to support individuals through spiritual crises • Learn to address trauma within a spiritual or religious context
- Anyone on a Personal Healing Journey: Deepen your self-understanding through the IFS lens • Learn powerful self-healing techniques • Enhance your personal mindfulness practice with trauma-sensitive approaches
REGISTRATION AND PRICING
Internal Family Systems
for Trauma-Sensitive Practitioners:
A Comprehensive Guide
Transform your trauma-sensitive mindfulness work with our comprehensive IFS integration course.
Early Bird Offer – Save $100
Register before November 30th at midnight PT to take advantage of our early bird discount!
$397 $297 USD
Simply enter the coupon code IFS at checkout to receive $100 off the full tuition
- 4 Live, Interactive Sessions (75 minutes each) with David Treleaven and Govinda Bader
- Exclusive Bonus Session with Dr. Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Special Training Module on AI integration in IFS and Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM)
- Lifetime Access to all session recordings
- Comprehensive Course Materials and practice guides
- Certificate of Completion
Group Learning Discounts
Are you building a community of trauma-sensitive practitioners? Register together and save:
• Teams of 3-5: 15% off
• Groups of 6+: 20% off
Contact us at info@davidtreleaven.com for group registration details.
Limited Enrollment
To ensure an intimate learning environment with ample opportunity for interaction and personalized guidance, enrollment is limited for this special training.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need prior experience with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to join this course?
No prior experience with IFS is necessary. The course is designed to meet practitioners at various levels, so whether you’re new to IFS or looking to deepen your understanding, this training will provide practical tools and insights that can be integrated into your current work.
What’s the difference between this course and the Complete TSM Training?
This course specifically focuses on integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM), offering a unique perspective and set of tools. The Complete TSM Training provides a more comprehensive foundation in trauma-sensitive mindfulness alone, while this course builds on those principles with IFS as a complementary approach.
Will I have access to the recordings if I can’t attend the live sessions?
Yes! All live sessions will be recorded and made available within 24 hours, so you can review them at your convenience if you miss a live session or want to revisit any part of the training.
Is this course suitable for personal development, or is it strictly professional?
This course is open to anyone interested in IFS and trauma-sensitive mindfulness, including those on a personal healing journey. While it’s designed for practitioners, the tools and practices are valuable for anyone seeking to deepen their self-understanding and healing work.
What kind of support will I receive throughout the course?
In addition to live sessions with David Treleaven and Govinda Bader, you’ll have access to Q&A segments, guided experiential practices, and comprehensive course materials to support your learning. The instructors will guide you directly in applying IFS and TSM techniques to your practice.
How do I access the Exclusive Bonus Sessions?
The bonus sessions, including the conversation with Dr. Richard Schwartz and the AI-enhanced IFS training module, are available on-demand from the first day of registration, so you can begin learning immediately.
Are group discounts available?
Yes! We offer discounts for group registrations. For teams of 3-5, there’s a 15% discount, and for groups of 6 or more, there’s a 20% discount. Please contact us at info@davidtreleaven.com to arrange group registration.
Will I receive a certificate upon completing the course?
Yes, all participants who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion, which can be added to your professional credentials or used for ongoing development.
What’s the refund policy?
If you need to withdraw from the course, please contact us at least two weeks before the course begins, by December 24th, 2024, for a full refund.
How does the early bird discount work?
The early bird discount is available for registrations completed before November 30th at midnight PT. Simply use the coupon code IFS at checkout to save $100 on the full course tuition.
Where will the course be hosted, and how can I access the sessions?
The course will be hosted live on Zoom for easy, interactive participation. All recorded sessions, along with bonus content, will be uploaded to Thinkific, where you’ll have full access to rewatch and review at your convenience. Once you register, you’ll receive access to Thinkific, where you can also find the exclusive bonus sessions and course materials.
Have more questions?
If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to reach out to us at info@davidtreleaven.com. We’re here to help!