The Spirituality of Internal Family Systems

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 an astonishing new dimension of IFS that he has never before shared with the public:

That his clinical research has repeatedly demonstrated 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 for the very 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 state - 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.

• An in-depth, practice-based journey with eight immersive exercises to allow you to experience the spiritual facets of IFS for yourself.

Session Descriptions

Week One:  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 Two:  How We Lost and Regain Access to Spiritual Wisdom

Here, 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 Three:  Self-Energy + A Live Q&A Session with Dr. Schwartz on October 21, 2025, at 8 pm EST | 5 pm PST

In this session, 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 Four:  Unburdening Legacy Burdens

Here, we'll be learning about 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 "Legacy Burden" exercise.

Week Five:  Unattached Burdens and the Question of Good vs Evil

In this session, Dr. Schwartz explores unattached burdens or UBs: experiences described in many spiritual traditions as harmful external energies. Here, we'll learn 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 Six:  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 Seven:  IFS and Spiritual Traditions

In this session, 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 Eight:  IFS and Conflict

Here, we'll learn 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 Nine:  Accessing Guides

In this session, 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 Ten:  Unburdening Towards Wholeness—Course Closing

In this concluding session, 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.

What You'll Receive

• Ten In-Depth Video Sessions
  Join IFS founder Dr. Richard Schwartz as he explores, for the first time ever, 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
  The LIVE Q&A session with Dr. Schwartz on October 21 is 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. Simply choose the option box below to receive this bonus.

Are you ready to access the possibilities of your fully emergent Self and your ever-present guides?

We hope you’ll join us!

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