(WC 150494 RUSE 2025) 3-Hour Applied IFS Therapy Skills Intensive 10 Key Strategies to Turn Protectors into Allies in Trauma

Course overview

Transform protector pushback into therapeutic movement. Skillfully soften client defenses. Real-world examples + exercises to build confidence. Perfect for new or seasoned therapists. If you've ever felt stuck in session - like your client suddenly shuts down, gets angry, changes the subject, or avoids the hard stuff just as you're getting close to something important ... ... you're probably bumping into protectors. In IFS therapy, these protective parts (often called managers and firefighters) are the powerful inner guardians that step in to keep clients emotionally safe. They're not the problem - they're doing their job, often with incredible strength and determination. But if you don't know how to recognize and work with them effectively, they can slow or even stall the healing process. Even keep clients from healing altogether. That's exactly why I created this 3-hour, skills-based intensive. It's designed to help you move from feeling stuck or unsure to feeling grounded and confident as you navigate your client's internal systems. Together we'll walk through a step-by-step framework for identifying and understanding protectors, and I'll share 10 key strategies you can start using right away. PLUS we'll take part in some experiential exercises and look at real-world clinical examples to make the concepts click. Whether you're new to IFS or looking to sharpen your skills, this training will help you shift from protector resistance to protector partnership in your trauma treatment - so your clients can access deeper work with more safety, connection, and trust.