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IFS Coaching Circle
Enroll by January 2
Begins January 15th - April 1
Join Us for the
Inaugural IFSCC!
Yanira Rivera Cruz
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Yanira is Puerto Rico's first Certified Supervisor Trauma Recovery Coach (CTRC-S) and the first Spanish-speaking Supervisor in the International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching (IAOTRC), and a complex trauma (cPTSD) survivor. She is also a Level 1 trained IFS Practitioner. Yanira holds a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space for individuals who maintain highly functional lives but silently struggle with cPTSD, toxic shame, impostor syndrome, and the psychological and emotional aftereffects that the adverse experiences or trauma have left on their lives.
Achara Tarfa
Achara Tarfa, a former Speech Language Pathologist, now a Level 2 IFS Practitioner influenced by and having received guidance from esteemed practitioners like Dick Schwartz, Cece Sykes, Chris Burris, Ann Sinko, and Susan McConnell. Achara leverages this expertise in her practice. As a CTRC-S with the IAOTRC, she serves as an instructor, with extensive knowledge, empathetic nature, and personal experience. Achara provides invaluable support to trauma survivors as they navigate their healing journeys. Achara’s dedication to continuous learning and professional growth enables her to provide the highest level of support and guidance to her clients.
IFSCC
Guided by experienced coaches Achara Tarfa and Yanira Rivera, this 12 week program offers a supportive, courageous space where you can gain confidence and deepen your skillset as an IFS Practitioner.
The IFS Coaching Circle is designed for serious IFS Practitioners seeking connection, support, and growth in a judgment-free zone. It is a collective with the purpose of serving and supporting a growing community of IFS Practitioners, enhancing not only their ability to serve clients but also to build their coaching practice and/or business.
Circle members will have the opportunity to partner with two other members, taking turns as both a 'client' and coach for your assigned partners. This reciprocal arrangement allows for mutual support and growth within the IFSCC. Guided by experienced coaches, this 12 week program provides a compassionate, courageous space where you can gain confidence and deepen your skill set as an IFS Practitioner.
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Use this opportunity to:
Embrace the opportunity to build and refine your work process, nurturing a smoother workflow that suits your unique business needs. Simplifying your process can make a significant difference.
Cultivate and polish your skills as an IFS Practitioner.
Within this circle, find a safe space to confidentially share your challenges, gaining valuable insights to navigate issues and achieve positive outcomes.
Develop and master the skills required to handle the clients or situations that may pose challenges.
​While the primary focus of the circle is professional development for coaches, this also provides a unique opportunity to confidentially share your challenges and gain insights as a client. Understanding that your coaching assignments will not always be the best fit that you might seek outside of the circle, this is a chance to be coached on what is coming up for you, including learning to exercise your voice and choice while supporting the coach in their professional development.
Learn the art of unblending through witnessing.
As seasoned IFS professionals, you bring a wealth of knowledge. In both coaching and client roles, practice witnessing internal parts with curiosity and compassion and choosing thoughtful responses over reactions. Share such instances with your coach, building a supportive foundation.
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Become a compassionate Self-Advocate.
Speaking up for your needs requires practice. It's a skill that, when honed, transforms conversations, boosts self-confidence, and enriches your overall well-being. Self-Advocacy positively impacts both your personal life and coaching practice.
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Learn alongside your IFS colleagues.
In this community of learners, we are all both students and teachers. Discover your gift and generously share it with others.
In addition to these benefits, you'll also:
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Build a network of colleagues you can confidently collaborate with and refer clients to when their needs fall outside your scope of practice.
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Curate genuine coaching reviews to uplift and promote your business (with the utmost respect for confidentiality and anonymity).
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Plus Demonstration Days, Reflection Groups, and IFS Workshops (see below for details)
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DEMONSTRATION DAYS
Watching IFS demonstrations can provide answers and insights into the workings of the method, helping individuals deepen their understanding, explore their internal experiences, and consider how IFS concepts might apply to their own personal growth or therapeutic practice.
Understanding the IFS Process: Observers can learn about the step-by-step process of an IFS session, including how the therapist establishes rapport, identifies and interacts with different parts of the client, and facilitates the healing dialogue between these parts.
Clarifying the Concept of "Parts": Individuals might have questions about what these internal "parts" are and how they manifest. Watching demonstrations can illustrate how these parts emerge, express themselves, and interact within the client's internal landscape.
Witnessing Self-Leadership Dynamics: Observing an IFS demonstration can clarify the concept of self-leadership and how the therapist guides the client to access their Self, fostering a compassionate, centered, and unburdened state.
Emotional Exploration and Healing: People may wonder how IFS helps individuals process and heal emotions. Demonstrations can reveal how the method assists clients in exploring and transforming emotions, fostering self-compassion and integration.
Identifying and Addressing Inner Conflicts: Observers can learn how IFS helps clients resolve inner conflicts by understanding and reconciling the tensions between different parts that hold contrasting beliefs, emotions, or desires.
Practical Application of IFS Techniques: Individuals might seek to understand how IFS techniques are practically applied in a therapeutic setting. Demonstrations can showcase various IFS interventions, such as dialogues with parts, visualization exercises, and unburdening processes.
Promoting Self-Awareness: Observing IFS sessions can help individuals become more aware of their own internal dynamics, recognizing similarities or patterns within themselves and gaining insights into their inner conflicts or emotional struggles.
Learning Therapeutic Skills: For therapists or individuals interested in becoming therapists, watching demonstrations can provide guidance on therapeutic skills like active listening, empathy, and creating a safe therapeutic space.
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REFLECTION GROUPS
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The aim of the Reflection Group is to create an intimate setting for IFS Coaching Circle Members to engage in practicing IFS (Internal Family Systems) utilizing parts language. Here, members are encouraged to identify and articulate their parts while fostering a connection with both themselves and others, guided by a trained IFS Practitioner. To facilitate this process, journal prompts will be provided, aiding in identifying parts and structuring the group's interactions.
Below is an example of a reflection exercise:
The Participant Role: Notice parts of yourself that have come up during the Circle, then practice speaking, responding, and listening with IFS concepts.
Practice speaking for these parts instead of from these parts:
Example: "I’m frustrated because..." vs. "I have a part that is frustrated by..." or "I’m noticing that I am blended with a frustrated part."
Other examples of speaking for parts: "I have parts that are excited, bored, annoyed, intrigued, skeptical..."
Practice responding to others with Self-led feedback
Example: "I disagree with you vs. I have parts that react to that statement, or I am finding myself activated by this conversation."
Practice listening from Self-energy.
Use the 8 C’s: Compassion, Curiosity, Creativity, Clarity, Courage, Connected, Confidence, Calmness
Notice when other parts come in (not aligned with 8 C’s) and ask them for space as you listen. (You can practice speaking for these parts once the person is finished).
WORKSHOPS
Internal Family Systems (IFS) workshops typically offer a safe and supportive environment for participants to delve into the IFS model, a therapeutic approach aimed at understanding and harmonizing various parts. Led by experienced facilitators trained in IFS, these workshops guide individuals through exercises, discussions, and experiential activities that help identify, understand, and interact with these different parts of oneself. Participants learn to navigate their internal dynamics, gaining insights into how these parts operate and how they influence emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Through the workshop's practices and techniques, individuals often uncover a deeper sense of self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal growth, increasing Self-energy.
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For those interested in joining the IFSCC, please see the FAQs below for more information to determine if this opportunity is right for you.
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Is the IFSCC right for me?Calmness: If you seek a space that fosters calmness amid professional growth, the IFS Coaching Circle offers a tranquil environment to explore and expand your coaching practice. Curiosity: If you're curious about honing your coaching skills and exploring new perspectives within a supportive community of fellow practitioners, this circle encourages and nurtures curiosity-driven learning. Compassion: If you value a compassionate approach to self-growth and wish to cultivate a more empathetic coaching style while receiving support and guidance from experienced coaches, this circle is designed to embrace and enhance your compassionate nature. Clarity: If you desire clarity in navigating challenges specific to your coaching practice or seek a clearer understanding of your role as an IFS Practitioner, the circle offers a space for gaining insights and clarity through shared experiences and professional guidance. Confidence: If you aim to boost your confidence as an IFS Practitioner and seek an environment that encourages you to explore your strengths while addressing areas for growth, the circle provides a supportive platform to bolster your confidence. Creativity: If you're inclined toward exploring innovative coaching techniques, creative exercises, and resourceful approaches to working with clients, the circle invites and nurtures creativity in your coaching practice. Connection: If building connections with like-minded professionals and fostering a sense of community is important to you, the IFS Coaching Circle offers opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another's experiences. Courage: If you are looking for opportunities to cultivate courage within the circle, to step outside of your coaching zone, face challenges, and grow both personally and professionally as an IFS Practitioner. Presence: Within the IFS Coaching Circle, we value mindful presence while celebrating diversity and cultural awareness. Patience: The circle can be beneficial if you're willing to practice patience in your learning journey, allowing yourself time to develop coaching skills, understand Internal Family Systems deeply, and nurture personal growth at your own pace. Playfulness: For those who appreciate a playful approach to learning and growth, the IFS Coaching Circle fosters a supportive and engaging environment that encourages creative exploration and a light-hearted approach to self-discovery. Persistence: Engaging in the circle requires persistence in honing coaching skills, delving into the complexities of Internal Family Systems, and persistently seeking personal and professional growth through continuous learning and practice. Perspective: If you're seeking to create a diverse, more inclusive perspective in order to help clients that are different from you, the circle provides an environment where diverse perspectives and cultural nuances are acknowledged and respected.
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The IFSCC is NOT for you if you tend to be hijacked by....Parts that cancel and/or reschedule often. Parts that project or blame others. Parts that complain rather than share for the purpose of seeking support. Parts that are currently experiencing active suicidal ideation. Parts that take you out of the present moment or attunement with others. Parts that have no interest or intention in learning various exercises or coaching tools.
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REQUIREMENTS of IFSCC MembershipSelf-Energy begets Self-Energy and Parts beget Parts Membership in IFSCC is open to those who have completed the IFS Circle, Stepping Stones, Level 1, 2, or 3, IAOTRC Parts Work Course, or any other course that deems you IFS informed or trained. Circle members will have the opportunity to partner with two other members, taking turns as both a 'client' and coach for your assigned partners. This reciprocal arrangement allows for mutual support and growth within the Circle. Whenever possible, we aim to match you with peers from your time zone. Each week, you'll have separate coaching sessions with your coach and client, following a 12-week schedule. We also organize Demo Days, Reflection Groups, and Workshops, where available, providing opportunities to share knowledge, refine skills, and learn from one another. All circle-related updates are communicated through our IFSCC Google group. Upon enrollment and invitation, all members are encouraged to join. This group is casual, mainly utilized for announcements, hosting Demo Days, Reflection Groups, Workshops, and storing replays. Double-Up opportunities: Sometimes there's a need for another coach to complete the circle pairing. This is the case when a coach opts-out of the circle for any reason. This is a great way to gain more practice hours and hone into the coaching skills. At all times, within and outside of coaching sessions, it's crucial to approach interactions with clients from a trauma-informed perspective. This involves recognizing that clients embody a range of parts that may respond in various ways due to past trauma or differing personality aspects. Maintaining a coaching mindset requires understanding that although a client may not align with the coach's personal preferences, it's vital to sustain an objective viewpoint and maintain focus on coaching the client while asking any parts with personal biases to give you the space to be Self-Led while coaching. The urge to look clients up online may be an example of a hypervigilant, caregiving, or helpful part. Instead of researching your client, we invite you to use the opportunity to be with your parts and meet whatever fears or concerns they may have around not taking this action.
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RULES for IFSCC MembershipIFSCC Member Rules: 1. You agree to coach and be coached for a full 12 week cycle. This includes abiding by the rules, ethics and policies and procedures of your governing body. MUTUAL RESPECT POLICY: This policy aims to facilitate a supportive environment for both your coaching and client parts, ensuring a professional and safe space. As you become part of the IFSCC, you're committing to both coaching others and allowing others to coach you for a duration of 12 weeks. It's crucial in both capacities to honor the time and resources of your coaches and clients, demonstrating respect by attending sessions, maintaining timely communication, and rescheduling only when necessary due to significant disruptions. The practice of rescheduling should be limited to serious interruptions. CLIENT: As a valued client, we encourage scheduling all 12 coaching sessions with your coach before the start of our program. Coaches are required to provide clients their policies & procedures. Clients and Coaches can schedule a short Meet & Greet to bring clarity of expectations and date/time of the 12 sessions. Booking these sessions in advance ensures a smoother experience for both you and your coach. In the event of unbooked sessions, discuss rescheduling options with your coach to accommodate your mutual needs and maximize the benefits of our coaching program. Having an intention for each session regarding your internal family system can enhance the effectiveness and depth of parts being seen, heard, and understood. In this professional development service, the coach-client relationship is vital for growth. Your coach relies on you to arrive prepared with intention to work with your internal family system. Recognizing that coaches operate from different places and capacities, it's essential to bring forth topics that authentically resonate with you and allow for collaborative partnership between you and your coach. Should your coach find themselves unable to support deep healing at the moment, together, explore alternative areas where they can assist you, such as aspects related to your business development or other aspects within your inner system. COACHES: Coaches are required to provide clients their policies & procedures before the first session. A specific benefit to being a coach in the IFS Coaching Circle is that you get the opportunity to work with entrepreneurial parts in your system. Coaches also have the opportunity to use Self-Energy with clients and practice attunement throughout the relationship. In the event of a missed appointment, it's an opportunity to extend support and understanding to the client. Depending on the situation, it can provide opportunity to work with parts that enjoy or struggle with setting boundaries. A gentle reminder of your policies & procedures that detail your agreement may be helpful. When participating in coaching sessions, it's helpful to arrive with Self-Energy - noticing what parts are with you in session. 2. Embrace flexibility. You'll have the opportunity to coordinate coaching sessions based on mutual agreement with your paired partners. While we aim to accommodate time zones, given our diverse community of IFS Practitioners worldwide, matching exact time zones might not always be feasible. Your understanding and flexibility are appreciated. In this circle, we have coaches of diverse genders, including male, female, trans and non-binary, so you may be paired with a coach of any gender identity. 3. In conducting coaching within the circle, it's important to adhere to the principles, policies, and ethics of your respective governing body. For example, the IAOTRC has Guiding Principles / Code of Ethics to ensure ethical and responsible coaching practices. 4. As a client you are coached for a minimum of 50 minutes. This is followed by a review of the session focusing on what worked well for you. Self-Led feedback is welcome. Please speak for your parts and not from your parts. We invite you to go inside and notice any common The Helper (aka Fixer, Rescuer, Parent), The Therapist, The Good Student, The IFS Enthusiast, The Wise Part, or The Mystic parts that may arise. 5. At the end of the cycle, we invite you to give your coach a review for their website or social media. Confidentiality and/or anonymity options are available. Members should be mindful that... At IFSCC, it's important to acknowledge that everyone, including the coaches, has experienced their own journey of healing and growth from past traumas. The circle serves as a space for professional development while also supporting coaches in their ongoing skill enhancement. Members of the IFS Coaching Circle are Coaches specializing in the modality of Internal Family Systems (IFS). The duration of a coach's practice doesn't necessarily define their expertise. Even those with decades of experience continue to have areas where they seek growth. Similarly, clients have specific needs that require a coach's dedicated support for optimal healing. However, the primary focus of the circle remains the practice and development of coaches. In situations where a client requires immediate and intensive support, we recommend seeking an external coach to ensure the best fit for their needs. It's important to note that many members may have pre-existing relationships before joining the circle. You will be asked to state any dual relationships so that you can be paired ethically. During sessions, it's essential to understand that this group doesn't operate as a platform or substitute for crisis management. If anyone finds themselves in a crisis or believes they may be a danger to themselves or others, we strongly encourage them to leave the session and seek immediate emergency assistance. The IFSCC isn't designed to provide comprehensive support in such situations. Please note that the IFSCC is not directly affiliated with the IFS Institute. It's important to clarify that our circle is not intended as a training platform for the IFS model. For official IFS endorsed training, we encourage visiting IFSInstitute.com. Please see IFSCC Terms & Conditions for more information
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What if someone violates boundaries in the IFSCC?We kindly request that all members respect the guidelines established for the IFSCC. It's essential to fully commit to honoring the membership requirements before joining. Adherence to the Agreement signed upon joining is crucial for a successful and harmonious membership experience in the IFSCC. However, there are a few specific instances that may lead to removal, and these will be contingent upon certain violations, including but not limited to: Not responding to the IFSCC attempts to contact you through your preferred communication method. Not honoring the agreement made with your client and coach. Removal from the IFSCC is not desired. Each case will be individually assessed. The IFSCC values transparency, so you'll always know where you stand. Mentoring sessions are available for a fee. Feel free to reach out to hello@ifscoachingcircle.com if you have any questions or concerns.