The IFS model depends on two sources of Self-energy – the Self of the client and the Self of the practitioner.  In Level 1 IFS trainings we learn primarily about utilizing the Self of the client to ‘go inside’ to witness and heal their parts; we call this modality in-sight.  However, what do we do if our clients aren’t able to do in-sight?  We can use the other source of Self-energy (our own) to directly connect with the part(s) of our clients. This is called Direct Access and is the second modality of IFS.

Direct Access (DA) simply means that the Self of the practitioner is in relationship with the part(s) of the client.  While the definition is simple, the application of the concept can be confusing.  This workshop will explore the concept of DA, help demystify the modality, and give you tools to deepen your skills with the essential component of the model.

Direct Access is a more advanced modality in that it requires the practitioner to be more aware of and in relationship with their own parts so they can be Self-led with their clients.

A person’s ability/willingness to do in-sight can be related to many things including:

• The nature and intensity of the wounding in the exiles

  • Often more intense wounding can lead to stronger protectors who need time to trust the practitioner before allowing access to vulnerability

• The source of the wounding

  • Caregivers, family, teachers, clergy, other mental health providers?

• Different identities of the client

  • Are their identities more aligned with the dominant culture or are their identities marginalized?

• How Self-led the practitioner is

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