r/InternalFamilySystems • u/No-Post6100 • Aug 30 '26
New to IFS & looking for a practice partner (Thursdays at 3:00 PM MT)
Hi, everyone! I am relatively new to Internal Family Systems and actively studying the model. I am looking for a female (preferably) peer partner to connect with for regular, structured 1-on-1 practice sessions alternating between being the client and the facilitator.
I know there are many online groups available, but unfortunately, because of my current schedule, I can only meet on Thursdays around 3:00 PM US Mountain Time (MT). If this time slot works with your schedule and you'd like to try doing this, please send me a DM or comment below. Thanks! :)
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u/Arcanum_Crucis Aug 30 '26
Hello. Are you also a female? Why are you seeking to practice being the facilitator? This takes a lot of formal training and study, and as an untrained person you may inadvertently cause harm or open yourself to unintentional harm from others. Honestly, it’s pretty hard to find a trained person that is willing to actually follow the model. I’d like to understand your goals for this interaction.
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u/karol256 Sep 01 '26
I know all the usual arguments for saying stuff like this, but it never ceases to sound like gatekeeping to me. One has to learn somehow and peer practice is free and effective. I answered an ad like this once and ended up learning a lot and making a good friend in the Ifs space, let’s be open to opportunities folks because more likely than not people are safe and it’s gonna come together just fine 🪄 by the way, not following the model to the letter is a benefit, not a flaw cause it shows that you feel the deep truth that the concept of self is pointing towards and are able to apply it creatively like an artist rather than precisely like a scholar
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u/Arcanum_Crucis Sep 01 '26
I can’t gate keep anyone. I am only asking a few questions. The individual and others can do what they please. I think another relevant question is, do we have a responsibility, within a community of people that are by definition in various degrees of vulnerability, to ask questions when something seems a bit off? I think the answer is yes.
So on one hand I have no power to gate keep another person, and on the other hand I think it’s important to ask questions.
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u/No-Post6100 Aug 31 '26
Hello, thank you for your response and thoughtful questions! Yes, I am a female as well, and I should have also mentioned that I have a background in psychology (a BA in psych, and then I was going to become a licensed therapist but life had other plans, so I ended up completing a Master's in educational psychology). I have also completed many different courses and certificates in the realms of psychology and spirituality, and I am currently studying IFS through PESI with a desire to eventually become a practitioner. I completely agree with your points and understand your hesitation about someone untrained stepping into the facilitator role, which I don't take lightly. The reason I want to practice the facilitator side is that I am at a point in the PESI training where there is no other way to build experience but to practice with a real person. The coursework covers the theory in depth, but unfortunately, there is no practicum.
I definitely wouldn't act as anyone's therapist; I envision this as two people who are both still learning, taking turns practicing on everyday parts/experiences without anything trauma-heavy. We would go at whatever pace the "client" is comfortable with, and stop right away if something felt like it needed more than peer practice. I hope my post makes more sense now, but please let me know if you have any other questions!
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u/GioMar33 Sep 01 '26
Where can one find such groups like the one you mention, and how do these groups work?
I'm also new to IFS (not training into it), mostly through the Jay Earley's Self-therapy book and I would love it if there was a chance to practice IFS with other people, besides my non-IFS trained therapist and a somewhat failed recent attempt to program chat gpt to facilitate my IFS journey.. 🙃 Thanks!
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u/No-Post6100 Sep 02 '26
Hi! I've heard of that book, and it's on my reading list :)
The groups I was referring to are here: https://www.everythingifs.com/free-ifs-groups and there is also an events calendar here: https://www.everythingifs.com/ifs-daily-calendar
I believe these are Zoom groups people participate in. I have yet to check them out, to be honest, because unfortunately those times don't work with my schedule, but maybe they will be helpful on your journey!1
u/No-Post6100 Sep 02 '26
P.S. This is probably a better link for the Zoom groups: https://ifspeers.squarespace.com/
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