IFS-Informed Authentic Relating

Next Events:

In-Person: February 22 (click here to register)

Online: February 26 (click here to register)

What I call IFS-Informed Authentic Relating brings IFS concepts - such as parts-awareness - into the practice of Authentic Relating. At these events, we infuse awareness of our parts and our Self into various Authentic Relating exercises. In some exercises, we have Self speak for our parts; in others, we have our parts speak for themselves. We can also speak about our parts from Self; for example, which parts tend to be the most active in our day-to-day lives.

Diverse group of people speaking English at language learning center. Multi ethnic adult s

Authentic Relating exercises are a powerful way to access Self-energy in a group setting. The group typically splits up into rotating pairs or triads, and the facilitator presents a particular topic to be discussed during each round. When done in pairs, each person in the pair gets a set amount of time to share on the topic at hand - usually 2 or 3 minutes. While one person is speaking, the other gives the speaker their full attention. Then when the speaker's time expires, the speaker and listener switch roles.

Discussion topics vary depending on the facilitator, but often include subjects or questions such as:

What are you noticing in yourself, at this moment, as you sit here across from your partner?
What is a mask that you often wear in public?
What is something you're struggling with in life?

What is a major goal that you're working towards?
Discuss something that is really alive in you!

One of the fundamental goals of Authentic Relating is to facilitate deep, authentic conversations. In IFS, we refer to such authenticity as Self-energy. Typically, most people in the group don't know each other, so these exercises provide a wonderful contrast to the relatively superficial conversations we typically have with strangers.

I've found IFS and Authentic Relating to be a very powerful combination, and am so pleased to be able to offer workshops both online, and in-person in the Washington DC area. Contact me if you're interested in learning more.