Intro to IFS Part II

Intro to IFS Part II (3HR)

$45.00

Course Description

In this follow-up three-hour training, we move from “What is an IFS system?” to “How do I gently work with it?” Building on Part I, we’ll explore trailheads—the everyday entry points into parts work—and the 6Fs, a simple, flexible framework for getting to know a part more deeply.

Participants will learn how to notice a trailhead, follow it with curiosity, and structure a brief IFS-informed conversation with a protector using the 6Fs—all while staying within trauma-informed boundaries of clinical scope. This training is about taking small, ethical, and practical steps: slowing down, listening differently, and integrating IFS concepts into the work you’re already doing.

Prerequisite: Introduction to IFS Part I by Sarah Czopek

Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:

Use trailheads as safe and practical entry points into parts work.
Apply the 6Fs framework to structure conversations with parts.
Integrate an IFS-informed stance into existing clinical work while staying within scope and safety.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Sarah Czopek, LCPC

Recording Date: June 15, 2026

Course Format

NBCC ACEP # 7091, CE Training Workshops has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP #7091. Programs that do not qualify are clearly identified. CE Training Workshops is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. CE Training Workshops designates this continuing education activity for 3 continuing education hours.

CE Training Workshops, LLC, #1770, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/02/2025 to 08/02/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

Meet Your Facilitator

Sarah Czopek is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who pivoted from an undergraduate career in classical voice and music business to then pursue her Masters in Professional Counseling from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Currently an Illinois resident, Sarah is the founder of Grace & Gratitude Counseling, a niche practice of women serving women and teen girls with anxiety and trauma in the greater Chicagoland area. Dually certified in EMDR and IFS (Level 3), Sarah is passionate about blending these modalities along with creative elements into her work as a trauma-informed therapist, as well as providing interactive, experiential training and mentorship to other professionals.

Before starting her group practice, Sarah served as a family counselor in a therapeutic day school, helping families of children with special needs navigate everything from IEP meetings and in-home supports to trauma and behavioral crises. Now the parent of a “2e” kiddo herself, Sarah is an advocate for neurodiversity awareness, school choice, and regulated parenting. In her free time, Sarah can be found with her husband and two children, her church family, a delightful backyard garden, and cup-after-cup of loose leaf tea. Don’t be surprised if you spot her Sheepadoodle, Emmy, or Cornish Rex kitten, Hershey, in the background of her trainings!

Syllabus

Introduction

Objective #1: Use trailheads as safe and practical entry points into parts work.

Define trailheads and identify common types (e.g., behaviors, emotions, body sensations, beliefs, repeated interaction patterns).
Listen for trailheads in client language and notice trailheads emerging in their own reactions during sessions.
Choose appropriate trailheads that are clinically manageable, avoiding highly overwhelming material in early IFS-informed work

Objective #2: Apply the 6Fs framework to structure conversations with parts

Name and describe each of the 6Fs (Find, Focus, Flesh out, Feel toward, Befriend, Fears) and understand the purpose of each step.
Formulate simple, clinically usable prompts for each “F” to guide clients in getting to know a protector part with more curiosity and respect.
Recognize when the process is naturally moving toward deeper exile material and intentionally pause or contain instead of proceeding to unburdening.

Objective #3: Recognize when the process is naturally moving toward deeper exile material and intentionally pause or contain instead of proceeding to unburdening.

Combine trailheads and the 6Fs with current modalities (e.g., CBT, ACT, EMDR, psychodynamic work) in a way that feels congruent and manageable.
Notice and name their own parts that show up in sessions (e.g., the fixer, the performer, the impatient part) and return to a more Self-led stance.
Articulate clear limits of their IFS-informed practice—knowing when to stay with protector work, when to slow down, and when to refer for more specialized IFS treatment.

Summary/Q&A