Email: contact@souliology.com
HEALING AND UNBURDENING OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE SYSTEMS - A 5-DAY WORKSHOP WITH MELISSA MOSE AND MARTHA SWEEZY
Workshop Description
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) presents a challenging, multi-faceted collection of symptoms. From the Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, OCD results from teams of protectors engaged in an intense endeavor to avoid negative outcomes such as contamination, catastrophes or intolerable feelings that seem as though they will never end. These protectors do not simply try to avoid the feared outcomes; rather, they try to override the associated negative feelings entirely, to banish all uncertainty or self-doubt
In our experience, IFS can help heal the obsessive-compulsive (OC) cycle at its core.
This five-day workshop for IFS-Trained therapists and practitioners is a rare opportunity to explore the intersection between OCD, shame and guilt with us, Melissa Mose and Martha Sweezy, experts in OCD and shame respectively.
We will begin with an overview of OCD with a focus on the subtypes of Harm OCD, Just Right and Perfectionism OCD and Need To Know varieties including Scrupulosity and relationship OCD. After a review of basic IFS concepts we will explore how the IFS model views shame and guilt specifically as it relates to OC protectors. Participants will then learn an IFS-informed approach to the assessment and treatment of OC systems, with due attention being given to the dynamics of OC protective systems and how to manage the inevitable responses of your own therapist parts and lived experience parts.
Instruction methods will include a dynamic mix of didactic instruction, experiential exercises, and small group breakout sessions.
Please note: This workshop is limited to 30 participants and is open to IFS Trained Professionals only.
26 hours of IFS-CE Credits will be available for IFS certification or recertification for attendees of this workshop.
PLEASE NOTE: A MINIMUM OF 20 WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE WORKSHOP TO PROCEED. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM MAKING ANY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL WE ADVISE YOU IN WRITING THAT WE HAVE REACHED THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR THE WORKSHOP TO PROCEED.
What to expect …..
What to Expect from this Workshop
-
A brief review of the IFS model (participants must have Level 1 or equivalent training and experience applying IFS with clients)
-
An overview of OCD – extensive knowledge of OCD is not required
-
Didactic exploration combined with time for Q & A
-
Experiential components, including meditations, psychodrama, and drawing
-
Demonstrations and “real-play”
-
Small and large group discussions
Learning Objectives
-
Understand and identify obsessive compulsive systems.
-
Interpret obsessive compulsive disorder through the lens of IFS.
-
Understand and Identify three subtypes of OC systems.
-
Apply IFS with OC Systems.
-
Distinguish the strengths and limitations of the IFS approach to treating OCD.
-
Identify common roadblocks in IFS and the treatment of OCD.
-
Formulate integrated assessment protocols for OC protective system.
Please note that this workshop is only open to participants who are IFS trained as an in-depth understanding of IFS therapy and parts work is essential to get the most from this workshop.
26 hours of IFS-CE Credits will be available for IFS certification or recertification for attendees of this workshop.
A little about Melissa.....
Melissa Mose is a Level 3 trained Certified Internal Family Systems therapist (Level 3) and an IFSI-approved IFS Consultant. She has served as a Program Assistant for multiple Level 1 and Level 2 IFS trainings through the IFS Institute. Melissa has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 1995 and continues to supervise clinicians and associates in her group practice in Los Angeles, CA.
Melissa’s journey as a specialist in obsessive compulsive systems began 12 years ago when her daughter began to exhibit behaviors associated with OCD. In addition to her ongoing practice, she serves as president of OCD Southern California, a non-profit affiliate of the International OCD Foundation whose mission it is to increase awareness, build community, and improve access to effective treatment for OCD.
Melissa is passionate about bringing her experience with obsessive compulsive systems to the IFS community and continuing to explore how IFS can play a key role in healing clients who manifest OC behaviors.
The Workshop Location
The workshop will take place at the Guesthouse, in Chester, Connecticut.
The Guest House was built as a country inn and offers beautiful and comfortable ensuite accommodations while maintaining a feeling of serenity throughout.
Our Workshop Participants enjoy the convenience of meeting rooms, dining halls and guest rooms located under one roof, while enjoying the comfort and privacy of individual spacious guest rooms, each with their own full bathroom.
Every guest room is decorated with elegant and functional furnishings, and no two rooms are exactly alike. High-speed WiFi and air conditioning are available in all guest rooms and throughout the building.
The Guest House is a beautifully renovated country inn that combines functionality with comfort. It has many features that you can enjoy throughout the workshop week such as:
-
Facility-Wide High Speed WiFi
-
Private baths in each of Guest Rooms
-
Fully air conditioned and heated guest rooms, with most using environmentally friendly, individually controlled HVAC units
-
A fitness center featuring aerobic exercise equipment, free and fixed weights, a ping pong table, and a sauna.
-
The Guest Amenities Closet has all the little things you might miss from home: Irons & Ironing Boards, Fans, Bath Mats & Extra Towels, etc
-
Bottomless Coffee & Tea served daily in their Dining Room.
-
Three healthy, expertly prepared meals per day with most menus adapted to many common allergies such as gluten & lactose intolerance.
-
Wooded walking trails on property, with many hiking trails very close by.
-
Two large open fields, perfect for yoga or yard games – Weather permitting.
-
Full-size tennis court
-
A meditation Labyrinth.
-
A lending library
-
A Gift Shop & Necessities Store
A little about Martha.....
Martha Sweezy is an Assistant Professor part-time in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, a Research and Training Consultant at the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion at the Cambridge Health Alliance, a psychotherapist with an online private practice, and a writer. She teaches Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy nationally and internationally and has co-edited, co-authored, and authored peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and books on IFS.
Her most recent book Internal Family Systems Therapy for Shame and Guilt explores shame and guilt in the context of psychic multiplicity. Martha and Melissa are collaborating on a book that will guide therapists to use IFS as they help clients who experience obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Workshop particulars
Applications are currently open for this workshop in Chester, Connecticut, USA from 3rd - 7th , March 2025
The workshop will take place over 5 days starting on Monday, March 3rd and concluding on Friday, March 7th, 2025
There is an afternoon off on Wednesday to allow participants to process, rest and relax or sightsee. Chester is a beautiful town located only 5 miles from the workshop centre and Long Island Sound is only 12 miles away for those that wish to visit the beach. There will also be some local hiking tours available at an additional cost.
This workshop is limited to 30 participants and all participants must be have formal training in IFS which can be gained through IFSI or IFSCA Stepping Stones Program. An application form will be available to you once you register your interest and your place on the workshop will only be confirmed once a $500 non-refundable deposit is received. Please do not make travel arrangements until your registration has been fully accepted by Souliology and we formally confirm in writing that the workshop is proceeding. Should we not reach the required numbers for the workshop to proceed, we will refund your non-refundable deposit and any other fees you have paid towards the workshop cost only.
Any travel costs to the workshop location in Chester, Connecticut, USA is the sole responsibility of the participant.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information on Covid, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to Covid or in the unlikely event the retreat leader is not in a position to attend. The FAQS page also provides further general information which you may find useful when planning your trip. If after reading the FAQS page you have any further information, please feel free to email us at contact@souliology.com.
HEALING AND UNBURDENING OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE SYSTEMS SCHEDULE.
5-Day Workshop Schedule – This is a broad outline of what the schedule for the week will look like but please note it is subject to change at the workshop leaders discretion.
March 3rd – March 7th, 2025
Monday
Tuesday & Thursday
Wednesday
11am – 1pm
1pm
2pm – 6pm
6.30pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.15pm
3pm – 6pm
6.30pm
8am – 9am
9am – 1pm
1pm
1pm – 7pm
7pm
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Time off to rest, relax or sightsee
Dinner
Friday
8am – 9am
9am – 1pm
1pm
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch & Goodbyes
Please note bottomless teas/coffees will be available at all times throughout the workshop period.
Your Investment:
Total Workshop Cost: - $2,350 (USD) per participant (single room occupancy only).
The workshop cost includes the 5-day workshop itself with Melissa Mose and Martha Sweeney, plus 4 nights private ensuite accommodation at our charming workshop centre in beautiful Chester, Connecticut and 3 delicious meals a day to include breakfast, lunch and a delicious evening meal. Our workshop location can also cater to a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerant. You can indicate your preference on the registration form.
Workshop Payment Schedule: We are delighted to offer flexibility with our payment options. You have two choices: you can make full payment now of $2,350 (USD) or you can opt for our convenient payment plan. The payment plan breaks down the workshop cost into 3 convenient payments as follows:
-
Payment 1: $500 (USD) non-refundable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
-
Payment 2. $1,000 (USD) per person due by the 22nd of November, 2024.
-
Payment 3: The remaining balance depending on your room type must be paid by the 31st, December, 2024.
Please note: There is no refund of fees over and above your non-refundable deposit for withdrawal for any reason after 31st of December, 2024.
If you register for the workshop after the specified payment deadlines outlined above, the existing payment schedule will no longer apply. Your payment schedule will either be adjusted to align with the existing payment plan, provided the payment deadlines allow, or you will be required to pay for the workshop in full.
Partners/Companions: If you wish to attend the workshop with a companion and share accommodation, we offer a reduced fee for both attendees. The total cost for two people to attend the full workshop and share accommodation is outlined in the registration form.
Additionally, you are welcome to bring a companion who can stay at the hotel with you in shared accommodation, enjoy the set workshop meals but not attend the workshop itself. This option incurs a supplementary charge which is outlined in the registration form. Please ensure to indicate your preference during the registration process.
Please note:
-
Any companion accompanying you must be an adult over 18 years of age.
-
Children are not allowed to join you in shared accommodation during the workshop.
Possible additional charges -:
-
An additional $100 (USD) per person late fee for payments received after 22nd November, and 31st December, 2024.
-
An additional $50 (USD) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
How to get there…..and more!
Please download the attached information document which includes details about -
-
Getting to the workshop location in Chester, Connecticut, USA
-
Interesting places to visit while in Chester.
-
What to bring
-
Where you will be staying for the workshop week
-
The Weather
-
OUR COVID-19 Policy