This yearlong training equips participants to effectively lead an Interactive IFS Group

Interactive IFS Groups incorporate IFS and capacities into an interpersonal process group. Group members work on their relationships with each other with honesty and vulnerability. They learn how to speak for their parts and how to practice capacities such as assertiveness, awareness, compassion and more. They become open and deeply connected, leading to inner transformation. 

This Level 1 training includes didactic presentations about principles and techniques of group leading and how they lead to inner transformation. The training group also functions as an Interactive IFS Group, so you experience what it is like to be a member of this kind of group. We reflect on what happened in the group, how it was led, and the interventions used. Click here for an article for professionals on Interactive IFS Groups.

Practicing Group Leading - When the group is ready, you will be able to take turns leading a segment of the group under Jay's guidance and receiving feedback afterwards. In addition, there will be a peer practice group that will meet on the in-between weeks without Jay. In this group, you will also take turns leading segments of the group and getting feedback. If there is enough interest, the training group may continue as a peer-led group after the year is finished.

The training is limited to just 8 people. This creates an intimate space to learn and practice, while receiving direct guidance from Jay Earley. Jay has been leading Interactive Groups for 50 years. He wrote the book Interactive Group Therapy 25 years ago and is writing a new book which incorporates IFS and many other innovations into new comprehensive model. You will receive this material as he develops it.

Prerequisites: 

1. An experiential knowledge of IFS. If you don’t have that, we recommend that you take our Basic and Exiles IFS Courses, taught by Bonnie Weiss, LCSW.

2. Being a helping professional. Interactive IFS Groups can be led as either therapy groups or personal growth groups, so you don’t have to be a therapist to take our trainings. However, it's required to already be working in a helping-oriented profession.

The next training begins April 2026. Fill out the below questionnaire to apply.