IFS Level 2 #1693
IFIO - Intimacy from the Inside Out:
IFS in couples therapy
(online)
About the training
Trainers
Joya Lonsdale, Krissy Tingle
Investment
🎓 Continuing education credits (PTK)
applied for
🕑 12 training days
💶 2,900 EUR
Dates
Module 1 - February 26-28, 2027
Module 2 - April 2-4, 2027
Module 3 - April 23-25, 2027
Module 4 - May 21-23, 2027
Language
EN with simultaneous translation into DE
📍online (Zoom)
🟢 Free spots
Curriculum
Couples therapy is among the most demanding fields in clinical practice: two internal systems, a highly charged relationship dynamic, and the therapist caught in the middle. Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) is the IFS-based treatment model developed precisely for this complexity – by Toni Herbine-Blank, one of the world's most experienced IFS trainers.
IFIO does not view the couple relationship as a context, but as a field of action: Instead of addressing conflicts at the behavioral level, IFIO focuses on the inner aspects of both partners – and uses the relationship itself as a therapeutic vehicle for change at both the individual and couple levels.
This 72-hour clinical training provides theory, methodology, and therapeutic attitude to directly transfer IFS competencies into work with couples and close partnerships.
Model & Theory
Fundamentals of the IFIO model and its integration into the overall IFS model
The couple relationship as a relational system: intrapsychic and interpersonal levels
Neurobiological foundations of attachment, conflict, and relationship repair
Therapeutic stance
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Self-directed presence of the therapist in a three-person setting
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Dealing with one's own contributions in situations of high relational intensity
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Impartiality and therapeutic neutrality within the IFS framework
Techniques
Working with highly activated protective mechanisms in a couple context
Switching between intrapsychic and interpersonal work
Recognizing, managing, and addressing relationship disruptions
Promoting communication and restoring emotional connection
Systemic aspects
Inner aspects as drivers of couple dynamics
Internal conflicts and their staging in the relationship
Intrapsychic and interpersonal levels in interplay: perception of one's own contributions while simultaneously connecting with the other person.
Body awareness and somatic signals as an access point to relationship dynamics
Methods
The IFS Training Level 2 IFIO combines a solid theoretical foundation with a high level of experience-oriented content — methodically coordinated and didactically clearly structured.
Theory & Demo Sessions
Technical presentations, demonstration sessions and moderated plenary discussions convey the basics of the IFIO 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 confidently test IFIO techniques and systematically expand your repertoire.
Self-experience
In guided inner journeys and reflection groups, you explore your own inner system within a relational context. Familiarity with your own aspects – especially in contact with couple dynamics – 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
32 participants, one training assistant per three people — a deliberately small group size so that practice groups are closely supervised and experience-oriented learning gets the space it needs.
Our certified trainers
Joya Lonsdale
Joya Lonsdale, LICSW, is a bilingual psychotherapist (English/Spanish) and co-lead trainer for Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) – the IFS-based treatment model for couples therapy. She has been working as an IFS therapist since 2012, joined the core IFIO trainer team in 2023, and has advanced training in all specialized IFIO modules: Betrayal & Repair, Shame and the Brain, and Sexuality Matters.
Her clinical focus is on treating couples with complex attachment and trauma dynamics – interethnic and intercultural couples, LGBTQIA+ couples, and heterosexual couples with a history of trauma. Additional qualifications in EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy complement her trauma- and body-sensitive work within the IFS framework.
Krissy Tingle
Krissy Tingle is a certified IFS therapist and co-lead trainer for Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO). For over 25 years, her clinical focus has been on the treatment of relational disorders—attachment dynamics, the regulation of closeness and distance, and the impact of early relationship experiences on current couple dynamics. The integration of IFIO into her therapeutic work has methodologically deepened and broadened this focus.
Krissy completed her IFS and IFIO training starting in 2010 and is a founding member of IFS UK. Further training in Hakomi/Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy complements her body- and attachment-sensitive approach. She is a BACP member and runs a private practice in northwest England.
Dates & Times
Module 1
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February 26-28, 2027
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Duration: 3 days
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Daily 1 - 9 PM (CET)
Module 2
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April 2-4, 2027
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Duration: 3 days
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Daily 1 - 9 PM (CET)
Module 3
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23rd - 25th April 2027
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Duration: 3 days
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Daily 1 - 9 PM (CET)
Module 4
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May 21-23, 2027
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Duration: 3 days
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Daily 1 - 9 PM (CET)
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
The Level 2 IFIO training costs EUR 2,900 (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
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You can secure your place with a deposit of EUR 750, which is due 14 days after receiving the invoice.
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The remaining balance (EUR 2,150) 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 2 IFIO 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 2 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?
Certificate of attendance for a Level 1 training course recognized by the IFSI or its international partners.
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 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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