IFS Level 1 #1689
online
About the training
Trainer
Dr. Ann-Katrin Bockmann, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Investment
🎓 Continuing education credits (PTK)
applied for
14 training days
💶 3,700 EUR
Dates
Module 1 - February 4th - 7th, 2027
Module 2 - February 11-14, 2027
Module 3 - March 12-13, 2027
Module 4 - April 8-11, 2027
Language
German with simultaneous translation into English
📍online (Zoom)
🟢 Free spots
first time in German
Curriculum
IFS is an internationally established, evidence-based model that complements and enhances other therapeutic approaches—whether cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or systemic. IFS Training Level 1 teaches the theory, practice, and therapeutic approach so that you can directly integrate IFS into your clinical practice. A detailed description of the learning content and objectives can be found here .
Model & Theory
History and basic assumptions of the IFS model
The concept of self and self-energy
The roles of the parts (managers, firefighters and exiles) and their dynamics within the internal system
Therapeutic stance
Skills of self-directed therapists such as presence, perspective, and patience
Transference and countertransference in the IFS context
Breaks and restoration of the therapeutic relationship
Dealing with one's own contributions during a session
Techniques
The 6 Fs and the process of the model
Unblending (separating components)
Working with Protectors and Exiles
The 8 steps of relief and integration
"Direct access" as a technique
Systemic aspects
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Polarizations, alliances and hierarchies within the internal system
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Access via body perceptions
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Externalization of internal dynamics
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Interactions between internal and external systems
Reading:
You will receive a comprehensive, printed training manual during the training.
Please read the following in preparation: “Systemic Therapy with the Internal Family (Learning to Live, Vol. 321): Completely revised new edition by Richard C. Schwartz, Martha Sweezy, et al. | May 15, 2021
Methods
The IFS Training Level 1 combines a solid theoretical foundation with a high experiential component — methodically coordinated, didactically clearly structured.
Theory & Demo Sessions
Technical presentations, demonstration sessions and moderated plenary discussions convey the basics of the model.
Each session is followed by debriefing sessions where clinical questions from your practice are addressed.
Supervised exercises
In small practice groups, you will apply what you have learned directly under the guidance of experienced training assistants (PAs). The gradual deepening of knowledge—from the conceptual level to clinical application—allows you to safely test IFS techniques and systematically expand your repertoire.
Self-experience
In guided inner journeys and reflection groups, you explore your own inner system. Familiarity with your own aspects sharpens your perception of what happens in the therapeutic encounter—and strengthens your self-energy as a foundation for your approach.
High quality of care
36 participants, one training assistant for every three people — a deliberately small group size to ensure close support for practice groups and to give experiential learning the space it needs. This corresponds to the international IFSI standard for Level 1.
Our certified trainer
Dr. Ann-Katrin Bockmann
Dr. Bockmann is a certified psychologist and licensed child and adolescent psychotherapist. She is an IFSI-certified IFS therapist and trained in IFIO (IFS with couples). She is also a certified Somatic IFS therapist and works on Susan McConnell's team. She has many years of clinical experience working with adults, children, and adolescents, as well as with professionals in the educational field. She is involved in the official German psychotherapy training program (CBT) as a lecturer, supervisor, and facilitator of experiential learning. As a lecturer and researcher at the University of Hildesheim, she contributes to IFS research.
Dates & Times
Module 1
February 4th - 7th, 2027
Duration: 4 days
Times:
10am - 5pm (4.2.)
9am - 5pm (5th-7th of February)
Module 2
-
February 11-14, 2027
-
Duration: 4 days
Times:
Daily 9am-5pm
Module 3
-
March 12-13, 2027
-
Duration: 2 days
Times:
Daily 9am - 5pm
Module 4
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April 8-11, 2027
-
Duration: 4 days
Times:
-
9am - 5pm (April 8-10)
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9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (April 11th)
During the training days, there will be regular short breaks (approx. 15 minutes each) in addition to the lunch break.
Participation fee & conditions
Participation fee
Level 1 training costs 3,700 EUR (VAT exempt)
Includes comprehensive training manual
Cancellation policy
If you cancel in writing up to 3 months before the start of the training, the course fee will be refunded minus the deposit.
You can take out seminar cancellation insurance with appropriate providers.
Payment terms
You can secure your place with a deposit of EUR 750, which is due 14 days after receiving the invoice.
The remaining balance (EUR 2,950) is due 3 months before the start of training.
Legal
Participation in the training course requires agreement to the following guidelines:
Accreditation & Certification
Certificate of Completion & Recognition
Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of participation from the IFS Academy for the Level 1 training. This certificate is recognized by the relevant state chamber of psychotherapists (e.g., the Bavarian Chamber of Psychotherapists) as continuing education and is certified with continuing education credits. The certificate can be used for quality assurance purposes in your practice.
IFSI certification
The certificate of participation for Level 1 represents one of the basic requirements for official certification as an IFS therapist by the international IFS Institute (IFSI).
The certification process is directly controlled by the IFSI.
More information about certification
Who can apply?
All 3 criteria must be met:
01
Membership in a professional association
Membership must be related to your therapeutic work. Membership at the start of the training is sufficient.
02
Advanced training in a psychotherapeutic method
They have already completed advanced training in a psychotherapeutic method.
03
License to practice medicine or healing permit*
They are authorized to diagnose and treat mental illnesses.
e.g. psychiatrist, physician, alternative practitioner for psychotherapy, psychological psychotherapist
Exceptions without a medical license:
Social workers/educators with a master's degree who work in a clinical or psychological institution
Art therapists and social work assistants working in a clinical or psychological setting
Systemic child and adolescent therapists
Systemic couple and family therapists
Clinical addiction counselors who hold a master's degree
Individuals with a master's or doctoral degree in mental health whose research focus is in the field of IFS
How your application process works
We carefully review every application. If you have any individual questions about your application or suitability, please feel free to contact us directly.
As the official provider of IFSI training courses for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), we reserve at least half of the places for applicants residing in DACH .
Should a place become available, the next person on the waiting list will automatically move up.
Experiences of our participants
The training was clearly structured, sensitively guided, and underpinned by an attitude that made presence, integrity, and genuine care – for the learning process as well as for the participants – truly felt.
This week exceeded all my expectations. It had everything: a beautiful location, a great group, inspiring trainers, and profound personal processes.
I would like to sincerely thank all of you for this transformative training. It has been a meaningful journey for me, both professionally and personally, and I truly appreciated the warmth, presence, and dedication of the entire team.
The organization and structure of the training were well thought out and coherent – the materials and the process impressed me greatly.
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