Frequently asked questions.

  • Awakened IFS is a presence-based training that teaches practitioners how to safely use the IFS model in healing relationships.

    We teach classic IFS as developed and taught by IFS founder Richard C. Schwartz. We refer to this as the "bottom-up" approach, where you work part by part to remove constraints on access to Self, awake awareness.

    In addition, we teach a "top-down" approach. Here, we help you access Self directly through guided meditations, pointing-out instructons, and cultivating relational resonance.

  • IFS is a personal development model aligned with coaching principles, which assume all clients are naturally whole, wise, loving, and good.

    IFS also views people as having multiple parts, or subpersonalities. But these parts are not your true identity; Self, which is naturally calm, confident, compassionate, and creative, is your true identity.

    The model was developed by Richard C. Schwartz.

  • Healing is about wholeness, finding the parts of us that have been hurt and loving them back to health.

    Awakening is about shifting out of thought-based mind into the clarity of awake awareness.

    Awareness is about disidentifying with thoughts, emotions, and sensations, contents of consciousness, and recognizing yourself as consciousness itself.

    When you, as a practitioner, heal and awaken, you can co-create the relational space that is conducive to deep and durable transformation.

  • Our offerings are not only professional trainings, they are personal development workshops in which you will be transformed.

    We help you step into the magic of Presence, where you are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole.

    From here, you can facilitate healing and awakening in others.

  • Our trainings are designed for coaches, therapists, spiritual directors, dietitians, bodyworkers, and other healing practitioners who want to deepen their ability to facilitate lasting transformation.

    These trainings are valuable for both new and experienced professionals.

  • Requirements depend on the program.

    Awakened IFS-1 (AIFS-1) requires experience as a practitioner but no previous IFS training. Awakened IFS-2 (AIFS-2) requires AIFS-1 or its equivalent. Awakened IFS-3 requires AIFS-2. Our consultation groups are for practitioners who use IFS.

  • Graduates may refer to themselves as "Awakened IFS practitioners" or "IFS-informed practitioners."

    The Institute for Healing and Awakening is not affiliated with the IFS Institute, which has their own training programs and requirements for certification.

  • Yes. Every training combines guided meditations, interactive teaching, live demonstrations, discussions, supervision, and peer practice between sessions.

    All classes are live -- no prerecorded material.

  • Yes. Group mentoring with qualified mentors provides feedback in small practice groups. Our feedback is intended to have you feel more empowered and confident not only in using the IFS protocol but also in how you show up as a practitioner.

  • Students practice with their cohort peers in breakout rooms during class and with rotating assigned partners between monthly modules.

    You are also encouraged to apply your learning when working with clients.

  • Trainings are limited to 36 students and the consultation group is limited to 24 students. This supports us in maintaining a safe and intimate learning environment.

  • We are intentional about keeping the class engaged and inspired. A typical day flows as follows:

    • Guided meditation

    • Teaching and discussion

    • 15-minutes break

    • Demo and debrief

    • 60-minute meal break

    • Peer practice or group mentoring

    • Debrief & Q&A

    • 15-minute break

    • Teaching and discussion

    • Additional demo or Q&A

    • Crystallize the learning

  • We ask that you attend at least 80% of live class time.

    Missing more than 20% requires approval. Missing more than 50% makes you ineligible for a certificate of completion and CCEs.

  • No partial completion credit is offered. Students unable to finish because of health or emergencies should contact us about joining a future cohort.

  • Our agreements are as follows:

    Maintain confidentiality. Anything you learn about another is treated as sacred and not to be shared without explicit permission. Recorded materials may not be shared outside the cohort.

    You have freedom of choice. Participate at the level that feels safe to you.

    You have the right to privacy. Share only what you want.

    Practice self-care. You are responsible for your own comfort. Ask for what you need.

  • Yes. We ask students to arrive on time, keep cameras on when possible, come to class prepared, respect the learning space, and honor the dignity and humanity of others.

  • We offer the option of enrolling with one half the tuition as a deposit. The balance is due one week prior to the second module. Payment must be current to attend the second module.

  • Students on payment plans must be up to date on payments to attend class and access course materials. If your account becomes past due, your access to class will be paused until your payments are brought current.

  • We have a limited number of scholarships for each training. They are awarded according to need on a first-come, first-served basis. Inquire here.

  • If you withdraw up to two weeks before the training starts you will receive a full refund less $150 cancellation fee. (This provides us time to fill your spot.)

    If you withdraw two weeks prior to the start of the training, you receive a 75% refund.

    If you withdraw after the first module but before the second, you receive a 75% refund.

    No refunds are provided after the second module.

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