After going over the day's theme and plan, there is typically an experiential activity such as a guided meditation or music with movement; timed check-ins; a short teaching on that week's S; and some combination of structured exercises, breakout groups, a live demo, and/or group discussion. We aim to balance structure with novelty to meet the needs of different parts and learning styles. We close with home play options to explore during the week.

Never. Your privacy and boundaries come first. All experiential work focuses on noticing your own internal parts and nervous system responses, not on personal disclosures to the group. You can keep the content of your experience private while still speaking for the dynamics of your inner system. You are always in complete control of what you share and what you keep private.

While the BLISS program includes open discussion of sexual topics and invites you to look within yourself regarding sexual themes, it does not present explicit sexual imagery other than possible inclusion of anatomical photos or drawings. The explicitness will be determined by what participants choose to verbally share and what your parts show you in your inner world.

Prior to the first session we establish group agreements, including confidentiality, which every participant commits to. Cohorts are small, and the recorded portions of sessions are only shared within the cohort’s portal. Participant names are shared before the program begins so you can let us know about any dual-relationship concerns. While we take these measures and more, we cannot guarantee privacy beyond what we can control, so you are encouraged to share at the level that feels best for your system.

Sexuality is a topic that can definitely bring up some discomfort and we encourage welcoming all parts with care and curiosity. As we bring the topic out of exile and acknowledge cultural legacies, discomfort often is replaced by relief. Difficult feelings might also signal that parts are around who need attention. You're always free to pause, step back, tend to your parts, speak for them in the group, or seek support from the assistant who will be available in each cohort. Knowing they are not alone can be so helpful for parts. If you are aware that you have exiled parts with more complex needs, we recommend having your own IFS therapist or practitioner available while you participate, and delaying your enrollment if you are in the early stages of trauma work or become easily dysregulated with this topic. If you're unsure whether now is the right time, reach out and we can talk it through.

You should already be comfortable with core IFS concepts such as parts, protectors, exiles, unburdening, and Self-energy, and have experience working with your own parts through practice sessions and/or working with an IFS therapist or practitioner. Professionals typically have completed or are enrolled in IFS Institute L1 or other substantive IFS training.

BLISS is offered as experiential professional development where you will learn by applying the processes of Self-Led Sexuality to your own internal sexual system. Short teachings and discussions connect each week's experience to broader concepts applicable to clinical practice. While many professionals report that they feel more confident clinically working with sexuality after attending BLISS, further clinical training and supervision are needed to fully bring this approach to clients. Dedicated clinical training in using The Six S's Framework™ with clients is in development; join the interest list to hear when it's available.

Maybe! There are a limited number of spots for individuals who have prior experience using IFS, are seeking growth but not therapy, and are interested in some conceptual learning as well as personal exploration. Please apply and we will be in touch.

The teaching and guided activities of each session will be recorded. We typically do NOT record the entire session. You are encouraged to attend live. We aim to strike a balance between the needs of folks who must miss a session or want to review the content later with the present moment climate of the group which is best when all are in attendance and protector parts have a greater sense of privacy.

Application has made but not yet approved for 18 IFS Institute CE credits (which are only applicable for IFSI Level One trained participants pursuing or renewing IFSI certification). Up to 18 AASECT credits for AASECT members are available. Both of these credits require live attendance and completion of an evaluation form. You can check with your licensing board to see whether IFSI or AASECT credits are accepted by them.

In addition to the live sessions, plan for about 30-60 minutes per week of optional home play, such as journal prompts, dialoguing with a part, or trying an activity. You can share journal entries with Patty for personal email feedback or keep them private. If you need to miss a session, please let Patty know in advance. The recorded portion (not the entire session) will be available in the member portal a few days after each session. Because the heart of BLISS is the live, small-group experience, we encourage attending live whenever possible. Live attendance is required to receive IFSI or AASECT credits.

You can cancel for a refund minus a $75 administrative fee until 35 days before the program start date. There will be no refunds after that date.

BLISS alumni can join follow-up alumni calls, continue with an individual four-session series with Patty, and participate in upcoming clinical training on using The Six S’s of Sexual Self Energy in clinical practice.