One of the most common questions I hear from therapists exploring Internal Family Systems is:
“But how do I actually do an IFS session?”
It’s a fair question—and one that isn’t always answered clearly in trainings or books. While workshops and readings offer helpful theory, they often leave you wondering how to turn that knowledge into a real, connected, effective therapy session.
That’s where IFS consultation groups come in.
Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just beginning to integrate IFS into your work, a consultation group gives you the experiential practice, peer connection, and case-based learning that transforms “knowing” into “doing.”
IFS isn’t just a set of interventions—it’s a relational, deeply intuitive process. And like anything experiential, it can’t be mastered alone.
IFS consultation groups give you a supportive space to:
Therapists often leave these groups saying they finally feel confident enough to try things out with clients—and more connected to their own internal systems in the process.
While each group has its own flow, here’s what a typical 90-minute IFS consultation group might include:
We begin each group with a gentle check-in—an opportunity to name how you’re arriving and to connect with Self. We often follow this with a short meditation or grounding exercise to help everyone settle into presence.
This brief time is essential. It shifts us out of busyness and into curiosity, making the space feel safe, respectful, and relational from the start.
Before we dive into cases or skills, we create space to notice what’s happening inside. This helps therapists stay Self-led during the group and brings more clarity to what parts might be getting activated in our work.
We often use prompts like:
Learning to track our own parts while consulting is one of the most powerful skills an IFS therapist can build.
Each session includes time for participants to present a client case. You’ll share what’s happening with the client’s system, where you’re feeling stuck, or what questions you’re holding.
As a group, we’ll offer reflections, questions, and support—not from a place of judgment, but from curiosity and shared learning.
This is where so much of the magic happens:
You’ll often hear others’ cases and think, “Oh wow, that’s exactly what’s happening with my client, too.”
In each group, we take time to focus on a specific element of the IFS model. This might include:
We keep it digestible and practical—less lecture, more discussion. You’ll leave with new tools, language, and clarity for how to use these concepts in session.
Knowing the model is one thing. Practicing it is another. That’s why every group includes live skill-building.
You might:
This is a safe space to try, stumble, ask questions, and grow.
Some sessions include a live or recorded demonstration—either with the facilitator or a brave participant.
Watching IFS in action (especially in real-time) helps demystify the model. You’ll hear how others ask questions, navigate stuck points, and stay attuned.
And if you ever want to try a short demo yourself, the group is there to support—not critique—you.
After each skill practice or demo, we open space for reflections:
This process isn’t just about getting better—it’s about becoming more Self-led and connected in the process.
We end with a gentle wrap-up, giving space for integration. Often this includes naming something you’re taking with you, a shift you noticed, or an intention for your practice.
Leaving grounded matters—especially when you’ve been brave enough to show up and try something new.
At Courage Community, our consultation groups are about more than professional development. They’re about real human connection and deep, embodied learning.
Here’s what makes our space unique:
✅ We create a culture of safety and respect
✅ Groups are intentionally small—so everyone has space
✅ We encourage authenticity, not perfection
✅ We honor your pace, your process, and your parts
✅ We’re serious about helping you apply IFS practically
You’ll get practical skills, yes—but also support, compassion, and a growing sense of confidence in your own Self-energy.
Here are the three types of groups I facilitate:
For licensed, pre-licensed, and student therapists with foundational IFS knowledge. Focused on:
For therapists who want practice over theory. This group includes:
Open to students, associates, and licensed professionals.
If you’re trained in EMDR and interested in using both models together, this group is for you. We cover:
This is a favorite among trauma therapists ready to take their work deeper.
Whether you’re looking for guidance, community, or hands-on practice, IFS consultation groups can help you get there. You don’t need to attend an IFS Institute training to start building your skill set. You just need a space that’s safe, supportive, and practical.
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need all the answers. You just need a willingness to show up—and a space that meets you with warmth, clarity, and encouragement.
We’re here for that.
And that’s what we’ve built.
👉 Join an IFS Skills Consultation Group
👉 Explore IFS + EMDR Integration Support
👉 Book an Individual IFS Consultation
Questions? Reach out. I’d love to hear from you.