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NPAP's 2026 Summer CE series PROGRAM

Understanding the Internal Family Systems Model: Pathway for Healing Extreme Parts Towards Harmonious Living

Presenter

Ann Akers, MDiv, LP

Moderator

Thomas S. Taylor, PhD, LCSW-R

About the Presenter

The Rev. Ann Akers has a rich 45-year history in congregational leadership, clinical practice, and spiritual direction. She has taught at the intersection of psyche and spirit, offering a unique approach to healing that deeply integrates the Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) and EMDR trauma-healing protocols with psychoanalytic depth and spiritual insight.

She is a Trainer and Supervisor for the Internal Family Systems Model, former Program Director and Adjunct Faculty at Hebrew Union College Interfaith Doctor of Ministry Program for Education in Pastoral Care, New York City. Ann is a former training analyst and supervisor and a senior member at NPAP.

Description

The Internal Family Systems Model (IFS), developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, is an evidence-based, non-pathologizing, transformative approach to psychotherapy offering a structured framework, as well as useful for integration with psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches. IFS helps address complex trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, eating disorders, etc., and views the mind as naturally “multiple” with burdened “parts” (subpersonalities) who feel and act in extreme ways causing deep suffering. In addition to “parts,” there is a core SELF that is undamaged by trauma with qualities such as compassion, calm and curiosity assisting in welcoming all parts as well – rather than being treated as enemies to be silenced. This webinar will introduce concepts and clinical examples elucidating the IFS framework.

Learning Objectives

After attending the presentation, participants will be able to:

Describe the core principles of IFS, including the concept that the mind is naturally comprised of multiple “parts” (subpersonalities), a central “Self.”
Identify the positive intentions of even challenging parts such as inner critics or addicts without trying to eliminate them.
Differentiate between the three major categories of parts-managers, firefighters, and exiles – and their protective or burdened roles in an individual’s internal system.
Describe the 8 C’s and 5 P’s of Self-leadership (calm, curiosity, presence, etc.), and how accessing the Self facilitates internal harmony and the healing of parts.

Open to

CE Credits

1.5 CE contact hours will be granted to participants with documented attendance and complete evaluation form. It is the responsibility of the participants seeking CE credits to comply with these requirements. Upon completion, a Certificate of Attendance will be emailed to all participants.

National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0139.
National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts. #P-0010.
The National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0137.