FOUNDATIONAL WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION TO IFS THROUGH THE LENS OF SEXUALITY
A Unique 4 Day, 20 Hour Online Training for Professionals to Learn Essential IFS Skills as Applied to Sexual Issues and Growth
September 25, 26, October 9, 10, 2025 (10:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET)
FOUNDATIONAL WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION TO IFS THROUGH THE LENS OF SEXUALITY
A Unique 4 Day, 20 Hour Online Training for Professionals to Learn Essential IFS Skills as Applied to Sexual Issues and Growth
September 25, 26, October 9, 10, 2025 (10:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET)
20 AASECT and NBCC CE's Available
Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Through the Lens of Sexuality has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. Patricia Rich Consulting, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-5015.
Are you a therapist, counselor or other helping professional who is curious about IFS, a breakthrough approach to understanding and healing human dilemmas?
Would you like to apply IFS to sexual issues, helping yourself and your clients to navigate this crucial aspect of life with compassion and creativity?
Join our transformative Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Through the Lens of Sexuality synchronous training designed to equip you with foundational IFS skills and a new approach to sexuality.
This course introduces the foundational concepts and practices of IFS and demonstrates their applicability to a variety of sexual dilemmas and scenarios. This workshop prioritizes the acquisition and refining of IFS skills such as finding and unblending parts, negotiating with protectors, mapping the system, and facilitating Self to Part relationships .
Participants will gain both cognitive understanding and lived experience through didactic content, interactive group discussions, demonstrations, case examples, practice exercises, and feedback. IFS is both simple and sophisticated as a modality, requiring therapists to slow down, look inward, engage with their own parts, and embrace the vulnerability of live practice and coaching. Care is taken throughout this program to cultivate a supportive, inclusive and respectful learning community .
There are few issues that trigger our parts more than sex. There is no one who has provided a better map to lift us out of that morass and into Self-Led bliss than Patty Rich.
Richard Schwartz, PhD
Creator of the Internal Family Systems Model
What you'll learn
This 4-day, interactive workshop is packed with didactic content, live demonstrations, group discussions, and hands-on practice. Here’s a glimpse of what each day offers:
Day 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE INNER PARTS OF THE PERSON
- Understand the origins and core concepts of IFS (multiplicity, Self, and parts) and their relevance to sexuality.
- Explore how cultural narratives and systemic inequities shape sexual dilemmas.
- Practice an externalization activity to unblend parts activated by sexual topics.
- Reflect on your role as an IFS therapist, emphasizing cultural self-awareness.
Day 2
GETTING TO KNOW PROTECTORS
- Differentiate proactive and reactive protectors and their roles in sexual dynamics.
- Learn the Six F’s to engage and befriend protectors, building trust for internal consent.
- Address polarizations between protectors and cultivate curiosity toward challenging behaviors.
- Practice using parts language in small groups with guided tools.
Day 3
GETTING TO KNOW EXILES
- Discover how wounding creates exiled parts, including systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma
- Learn to respect the protective system
- Analyze the healing steps for unburdening and integrating exiles to enhance sexual well-being.
- Explore the 12 R’s for relating to exiles from a Self-led place.
DAY 4
SELF-ENERGY AND THE IFS THERAPIST
- Identify the eight qualities of Self and how they foster a healthy relationship with sexuality.
- Apply unblending techniques to increase Self-energy in yourself and your clients.
- Navigate sexual transference and countertransference
- Integrate IFS ethically into your practice with a clear understanding of your scope.
Check additional information about the workshop and our policies.
This program meets the educational requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 20 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification.
Who should attend?
This workshop is ideal for counseling and mental health professionals who:
✓ Have not yet had substantive training in IFS and want an introductory exposure.
✓ Would like to reinforce foundational IFS skills.
✓ Are interested in applying IFS to sexual dilemmas and growth.
What to expect?
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Focus on foundational IFS skills
The primary focus is on learning basic IFS concepts and processes.
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Discussion and case examples with sexual themes
Learn concepts such as multiplicity, Self, the protective system, burdened exiles, and the healing steps through examples related to sex and sexuality.
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Interactive learning
Group discussions, experiential activities (suitable for a professional environment), live demonstrations, and practice groups will help participants internalize IFS principles and techniques.
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Practical applications
Learn how to work with your own parts and guide clients through their protective systems using IFS.
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Preparation for further learning
This workshop is great preparation for upcoming trainings such as The Six S’s of Self-Led Sexuality™ for Clinicians and BeHold and Lead your Internal Sexual System (BLISS)™.
Why learn from Patricia Rich?
Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S is a trailblazer in integrating IFS with sexuality. As an IFS Institute Certified Level 3 IFS Therapist and Approved Clinical Consultant, and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor, she brings decades of expertise to this training. Her innovative concepts, such as Internal Consent and The Six S’s of Sexual Self-Energy, have been featured at the IFS Annual Conference, the IFS Institute Online Continuity Program, and in her chapter in Altogether Us. Patty’s warm, inclusive, and compassionate approach creates a safe space for learning and growth. She also hosts the popular Self-Led in Bed: An IFS & Sexuality Podcast and offers free resources like her Six S’s Guide that you can find at www.patriciarich.com.
“Patty has a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on sexuality and the IFS model. I feel more competent and capable with a new set of tools to use with my clients, and to apply to my own life.” – Workshop Participant
Workshop participant
INVESTMENT
Early Bird Price: $895 (extended until September 15, 2025)
Regular Price: $1000
Payment Plans: Available upon request—contact us at patty@patriciarich.com.
Check additional information about the workshop and our policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED PRIOR IFS EXPERIENCE?
No! This course is designed for beginners and those looking to refresh and expand their IFS skills.
DO I NEED TO ATTEND LIVE?
As this is an interactive group experience provided synchronously online, live attendance is required.
DOES THIS CREDENTIAL QUALIFY ME AS AN IFS THERAPIST OR AS A SEX THERAPIST?
This training is not a substitute for the IFS Institute’s Level 1 training and does not credential participants as an IFS or sex therapist. However, those who complete the course may call themselves IFS-Informed. This course also serves as a powerful foundation for further study, including Patricia's advanced courses like The Six S’s of Self-Led Sexuality™ for Clinicians and BeHold and Lead your Internal Sexual System (BLISS)™.
DOES THIS WORKSHOP OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS?
Up to 20 AASECT credits have been approved for this course and are only applicable to members of AASECT. Additional continuing education credits may become available closer to the date of the training. Please check back for updates.
WHERE CAN I HAVE ACCESS TO MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP?
Read more about this workshop agenda, learning objectives and policies.
WILL RECORDINGS BE AVAILABLE?
While portions of the training will be recorded, this is aninteractive training with live attendance expected. There will not be full recordings available of each day. Select teaching portions may be shared with participants or repurposed for future use.
HOW DOES THIS COURSE PREPARE ME FOR ADVANCED TRAINING ?
This foundational course sets the stage for advanced Self-Led Sexuality trainings, giving you the skills and confidence to dive deeper.
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