In this inspiring new program, the creator of IFS explores the spiritual and energetic dimensions of Self and its relationship to helpful nonphysical guides, shamanic and psychedelic methods, healing multi-generational and societal burdens, and much more.
Includes a Live Q&A Session with Dr. Schwartz
On October 21, 2025, at 8 pm EST | 5 pm PST
An Invitation from Richard C. Schwartz, PhD
Hello, I’m Dick Schwartz, the creator of Internal Family Systems, and I’m thrilled to invite you to what may be the most in-depth spiritual exploration of IFS that I’ve ever taught.
With The Spirituality of IFS, I have decided to share more about some surprising and life-changing phenomena that I’ve experienced with my clients (and in myself) while developing IFS.
At the heart of this program lies deeper a view of Self—the true core of who you are and the higher source from which compassion, calm, and connection flow.
In this new course, here’s what I’ll be exploring for the first time:
- The Self is more than a psychological state—it is the core essence of who you are and distinct from your parts, and it connects all of us to what spiritual traditions call the Divine, True Nature, God, or a Greater Consciousness.
- The Self also mediates a “Self-energy” that heals and supports not only ourselves but those around us, emotionally and physically.
- During IFS sessions, many of my clients have encountered the active presence of loving guides and ancestor spirits that bring them verifiable information and aid, often unexplainable by conventional science.
- Shamanic practices and psychedelic journeys can be an effective way to engage these guides to help us unburden our parts and invite the energy of Self to emerge.
- Traumas and burdens can be passed across generations and throughout entire societies—but can be restored to balance with collective practices.
- Eight guided exercises and practices to help you access and engage these life-expanding dimensions of Self.
These are just some of the many topics I’ll be sharing in detail with this new program.
Now, to be clear, for decades IFS therapy has strongly demonstrated its efficacy, with or without any of the elements that I explore in this program.
So if you’re a skeptic or materialist, be assured that you do not need this course to benefit from IFS work. I, myself, was a committed skeptic for much of my life—until my decades of clinical experience with clients evolved my perspectives.
However… if you’re an open-minded wisdom seeker, I believe that with this program you are about to rediscover IFS from a whole new perspective—and amplify your journey to healing and wholeness in ways that will be sure to support you.
I do hope you’ll join us, starting on September 29, 2025.
Yours in Self leadership,
Dick
As Seen On
We’re honored to have the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model featured by:
Since Dr. Richard Schwartz founded Internal Family Systems (IFS) more than 30 years ago, its principles and practices have spread globally among mental health professionals, clients, and practitioners.
Now, with The Spirituality of Internal Family Systems, Dr. Schwartz reveals a new dimension of IFS that he has never before shared widely with the public:
That his clinical experiences have repeatedly revealed undeniable spiritual phenomena that cannot be explained by conventional science.
For example…
The Core Self at the center of the IFS model reveals itself to be much more than a psychological phenomenon—it also exhibits the ability to physically and emotionally support those around us and connect us with the compassionate, unifying consciousness known as the Divine, True Nature, or God across the world’s wisdom traditions.
And, remarkably:
Many of Dr. Schwartz’s clients encounter helpful and independent guides and ancestor spirits—distinct from the familiar parts identified by IFS. And these loving guides—whose source appears to the Self—often bring useful information otherwise unavailable to clients, as well as practical guidance and aid.
In these groundbreaking sessions, you’ll explore these topics and much more.
Are you ready to experience these extraordinary dimensions of IFS? If so, we invite you to enroll today.
Why Join This Program?
If you’re intrigued by the greater spiritual potentials of Internal Family Systems, this is where its founder Dr. Richard Schwartz has chosen to share them in detail for the first time.
For IFS therapists, clients, self-guided practitioners—and all curious wisdom seekers—we invite you to explore:
Dr. Schwartz's eye-opening journey from a skeptical rationalist to a spiritually receptive scientist convinced by first-hand evidence
Why the core Self is more than just a psychological phenomenon - How it connects all of us to the Greater Consciousness, Divine, or God of the world's wisdom traditions
Accessing the energy of the Self to heal and support ourselves and others physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The reality of helpful guides and ancestor spirits - Their regular appearance among clients and therapists, their relationship to Self, the verifiable information and guidance they bring, and how to work with them
Unattached burdens - Experiences described in many spiritual traditions as harmful external energies. While not part of the core IFS practice, here you'll explore how Self-energy can be engaged as a protective resource
Striking parallels between IFS therapy and shamanic and psychedelic journeys, and how to integrate their methods to heal and more fully connect with Self
Using IFS with traditional spiritual practices - Suggestions on which meditations and contemplative techniques can impede IFS work and the ones that can support it
Intergenerational and cultural burdens and traumas - How they are passed from parent to child—and even throughout entire societies—and how we can invite the liberating and balancing presence of Self together
A practice-based journey with eight immersive exercises to allow you to experience the spiritual facets of IFS for yourself
Program Overview
This new online program features ten immersive video learning sessions plus a LIVE Q&A session with Dr. Richard C. Schwartz on October 21, 2025.
Here’s what you’ll experience
WEEK 1
The Spiritual Evolution of IFS
Dr. Schwartz shares his own journey from self-proclaimed skeptic and rationalist to an evidence-based believer in spiritual phenomena—and the astonishing clinical observations and personal experiences that catalyzed this shift. This session introduces us to his key insights into the core Self as more than just a mental state, nonphysical guides and how they are distinct from the inner “parts” of IFS, and more.
WEEK 2
How We Lost and Regain Access to Spiritual Wisdom
Dr. Schwartz explores how we lose and regain access to the innate higher wisdom of Self, and how our parts are affected not just by physical and psychological factors but also by spiritual phenomena. He also examines how social conflicts and crises in the external world mirror the dynamics of our internal family systems, and how to engage Self for collective healing and reconnection. This session includes the guided practice: “Making Space for Self.”
WEEK 3
Self-Energy
+ A Live Q&A Session with Dr. Schwartz on October 21, 2025, at 8 pm EST | 5 pm PST
Dr. Schwartz delves into the very real restorative power of Self-Energy within the psyche and also in the outer world. We’ll also be looking at the spiritual dimensions of “the 8 C’s” and “the 5 P’s” that describe the core Self. Includes the guided exercise: “Opening to and Extending Self-Energy.”
WEEK 4
Unburdening Legacy Burdens
Dr. Schwartz uncovers the emotionally-driven and belief-based “legacy burdens” that we inherit through our families as well as through our culture. These burdens disconnect us from our true Selves and our greater divine nature. Dr. Schwartz offers guidance and suggestions for identifying and releasing them to restore the peace and harmony of the Self, both internally and among those around us. We will also learn how guides help direct our attention and support us in this work. Includes a guided “Identifying a Legacy Burden” exercise.
WEEK 5
Unattached Burdens and the Question of Good vs Evil
Dr. Schwartz explores unattached burdens or UBs: experiences described in many spiritual traditions as harmful external energies. Here, we’ll explore how our fear empowers UBs, how the presence of Self creates a protective shield, and how to release and remove them. Includes the guided practice: “Scanning for Unattached Burdens.”
WEEK 6
IFS and Psychedelics
Dr. Schwartz discusses the potential benefits of using psychedelics to augment the IFS process, including his own explorations with this strategy. We’ll learn about spontaneous IFS-like realizations without previous knowledge of the model, nurturing greater connection with Self and guides, the need for appropriate facilitation in a therapeutic setting, the possible dangers and pitfalls of recreational use, and the importance of follow-up and aftercare.
WEEK 7
IFS and Spiritual Traditions
Dr. Schwartz looks at the compatibility of IFS with various traditions and meditation practices, including mindfulness practice, transcendental meditation, and more. He compares the views of some traditions that we are inherently flawed or a “blank slate” with the IFS belief that we are by nature good and need only “uncover” our incorruptible Self. Includes the guided exercise: “IFS as a Daily Practice.”
WEEK 8
IFS and Conflict
Dr. Schwartz shares how the IFS framework and methods can be used to resolve conflict not only within us but also on an interpersonal and global level. Dr. Schwartz explains how our defensive Protector parts can distort how we see others and affect the broader system of our society, especially in times of high tension and challenge. Most importantly, we will learn how cultivating the state of Self improves our external interactions—especially with those we perceive as enemies—to help bring harmony to the societies we live in. Includes a guided exercise: “Accessing Self in the Face of Conflict.”
WEEK 9
Accessing Guides
Dr. Schwartz discusses the phenomenon of guides (known in some cultures as angels). We’ll learn how they differ from our Protector parts, how aspects of IFS hold striking parallels with Indigenous shamanic traditions, and how to engage with our own guides and ancestor spirits to help unburden our parts and live a Self-led life. Includes a guided practice called “The Path.”
WEEK 10
Unburdening Towards Wholeness
Dr. Schwartz shares his belief in the potential for the IFS model to extend its benefits beyond mental health and toward deeper spiritual growth—and for a collective shift toward compassion, balance, and connection with the support of Self in the face of the urgent global challenges that humanity faces today.
Meet Your Teacher
Richard C. Schwartz PhD
Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic model that de-pathologizes the multipart personality. His IFS Institute, founded over 24 years ago, offers training for professionals and the general public. He is currently on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and has published five books, including No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model. Dick lives with his wife Jeanne near Chicago, close to his three daughters and his growing number of grandchildren.
What People Are Saying about IFS
IFS has been the single most influential model by which I view the world, my interactions with others and myself. It is more than a model for professionals in the mental health field. It is a model that facilitates one’s personal growth and is intuitive and easily accessible.
― E. Bank
IFS enhanced my spiritual practice in ways I could not have foreseen. I expanded my meditation to include parts and guides that appeared. I also used my meditation to deepen an embodied experience of Self.
― IFS training participant
IFS is an encouraging, non-pathologizing modality with great potential for individual and community based healing: increased capacity for self-compassion and compassion for others and increased insight and flexibility related to individual and community challenges. All parts are welcome here, but don’t take it from me: come try it and see for yourself.
― J. Knott
What You'll Receive & Experience
Ten In-Depth Video Sessions
Join IFS founder Dr. Richard Schwartz as he explores the astonishing spiritual dimensions of Internal Family Systems and how they amplify the healing journey and the many gifts of the core Self.
Interactive Learning
A LIVE Q&A session with Dr. Schwartz on October 21, where you can engage with him to get your questions answered, delve into topics in greater depth, and integrate what you've learned into your own life.
Flexible Participation
Can’t attend live? No problem. Enjoy all recordings and materials at your convenience, including a recording of the Live Q&A, available within 48 hours after the event.
Lifetime Access
You can return to the video sessions, ebook, and other content any time.
Bonus #1: Free eBook edition of Introduction to Internal Family Systems
Learn from Dr. Schwartz's complete beginner's guide for understanding this empowering, effective, and non-pathologizing approach to befriending and bring balance to our inner parts and experience a Self-led life.
Bonus #2: A Free Month of Sounds True One Membership
Explore our vast range of meditations, teachings, practices, and other exclusive content, designed to support your ongoing healing and self-discovery.
A Mind-Expanding and Spiritually Transformative New Dimension of IFS, Taught by Its Founder
For the first time with the general public, Dr. Richard Schwartz shares this courageous, transcendent vision of the IFS model—bringing together years of astonishing clinical observations—to offer a richly amplified model of healing that reaches beyond the boundaries of conventional Western psychology.
Are you ready to access the spiritual possibilities of your fully emergent Self and your ever-present guides?
ENROLL TODAY
With ten immersive learning sessions, a live Q&A gathering with Dr. Schwartz, the Introduction to Internal Family Systems ebook, and lifetime access to all content, you’ll have everything you need to embark on this expansive adventure into the vaster landscape of Internal Family Systems and the Self-led life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is this program for? And if I’m new to IFS, will this program still help me?
Dr. Schwartz created this program for therapists and practitioners with a basic familiarity with Internal Family Systems.
For those new to IFS, this course also includes the ebook edition of his Introduction to Internal Family Systems, which he recommends beginners read first to gain the most from the learning sessions.
- Do the spiritual principles in this course invalidate Internal Family Systems as it has been previously taught for the past 30 years?
Absolutely not. As Dr. Schwartz explains in the first session, IFS therapy has demonstrated its efficacy remarkably among tens of thousands who’ve already benefited from it. The phenomena explored here—such as the spiritual nature of Self and the evidence for helpful guides—presented themselves to Dr. Schwartz from his earliest years of IFS development and continue to do so.
Until recently, he felt that these elements were not necessary to the model, but he now believes that the healing potential of a spiritually informed IFS approach can be a powerful addition for addressing the urgent societal crises of our times.
These insights are not required for use of the IFS model in therapeutic settings, and clinicians are encouraged to discern what aligns with their training, ethics, and client needs.
- Is this program a form of therapy?
No, this program is not intended to replace therapy. While the IFS model can be therapeutic, this course is designed as a self-guided learning experience, which many have found to be complementary with one-on-one therapy and other psychotherapy modalities. If you are seeking individual therapy, we encourage you to consult with a licensed IFS therapist.
- How is the program structured?
This course consists of ten video sessions, each meant to guide you through a different dimension of the spirituality of Internal Family Systems.
Dr. Richard Schwartz will also present a LIVE online Q&A gathering on October 21, 2025, at 8 pm EST | 5 pm PST.
- What if I can’t attend the live session?
No problem! The Live Q&A with Dr. Schwartz will be recorded and available for replay.
- How long will I have access to the program materials?
You will receive lifetime access to all course materials, including all video sessions, a recording of the Live Q&A session, and the Introduction to Internal Family Systems ebook.
- Will I receive a certificate for completing this program or continuing education credits?
Because this program is intended for personal growth and healing, there is no certification offered at the end of this program. However, the knowledge you gain will empower you to continue your IFS journey. This program does not offer continuing education credits. For more information about programs for therapists or other professionals, please visit the IFS Institute website.
- How do I get started?
Simply click the “Enroll Today” button to enroll. You’ll receive immediate access to the Introduction to Internal Family Systems ebook, and to the video learning sessions as they are released weekly starting on September 29.
Are you ready to access the spiritual potentials of Internal Family Systems?
With The Spirituality of Internal Family Systems, Dr. Schwartz has courageously stepped forward to share an inspiring new vision of the IFS model—bringing together compelling evidence from his clinical work and striking parallels with universal spiritual traditions—to offer an amplified model of healing that transcends the conventional boundaries of Western psychotherapy and psychology. We hope you’ll join us!
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