Introduction to Parts Work

Description: This class introduces students to the concept of working with “parts” of one’s interior world in spiritual direction, based on the framework developed by Internal Family Systems.

Outcomes: Having fully engaged with this class, students will be able to (1) describe the framework and intention of parts work from an IFS-inspired perspective, (2) apply a “parts work” perspective to their own internal world and experience, (3) reflect on how parts work might inform one’s practice in spiritual direction and (4) begin to discern when and how a parts-based lens may be appropriate in spiritual direction conversations.

Format: A self-paced “four-week” course consisting of four 20- to 30-minute instructional videos, each paired with integrative-reflective writing assignments and bi-weekly calls with a course mentor.

Supplementary reading: Selected chapters from Richard Schwartz and Martha Sweezy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, 2nd Edition, Guilford Press, 2019, 84 pp. assigned.