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Reaching the Inner Child: Using Brain-based IFS Therapy to Treat Trauma & Personality Disorders

Jun. 13, 2026

10:00 AM - 4:45 PM (EST)

Virtual Event
6 CE Credits
Modern neuroscience is transforming how we understand and heal trauma. This workshop blends cutting-edge brain science with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clinicians more effectively reach the “Inner Child,” reduce shame, and improve outcomes. Join us to explore a non-pathologizing, neuroscience-informed approach that boosts client engagement—and reduces clinician burnout.

Modern neuroscience has provided us with valuable and targeted information to help in understanding and healing the traumatized brain, including those with severe developmental trauma who later end up with “Personality disorder” diagnoses. Unfortunately, much of this valuable information remains abstract and out-of-reach to those doing the actual work of trauma treatment. In this workshop, we will address these issues by combining insights from Neuroscience with an evidence-based treatment approach known as Internal Family Systems (IFS). Internal Family Systems is a modality of treatment created in the 1980s by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz. Trained as a couples and family therapist, Dr. Schwartz realized the same dynamics he found in family systems also presented within individuals. His work reveals the brain’s natural ability to create different parts, known as Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles, in order to protect the core, undamaged self. His theory is non-pathologizing, allowing us to see “diagnoses” as “strategies” and recognizes the protective nature of the “Internal Family.” Using modern brain science along with these well-established concepts, we can isolate and treat the “Inner Child” – those parts that carry traumatic memory – in safter, more effective ways. Attendees will grow in their practical application of neuroscience to aid in reducing shame, increasing client engagement, improving outcomes, and – as an added bonus – reducing clinician burnout!

Session Highlights
  1. Learn the Framework of IFS backed by Brain Science
  2. Participate in practical exercises that help you learn more about yourself
  3. Gain skills to reduce shame and increase client engagement
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This live interactive webinar is designed for behavioral health professionals, including:

  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychotherapists
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Substance Use Disorders Counselors
  • Case Managers
  • Physicians
  • Other Mental Health Professionals
Hannah Smith, MA, LMHC, CGPHannah Smith, MA, LMHC, CGP

Hannah founded Potential Finders Network, LLC, a book author and blog writer, coach/consultant, international board-certified group psychotherapist (CGP), and nationwide trainer from the Seattle area.  As a neurodivergent person, how the brain works has always fascinated her. Over the last two decades, she has extensively studied neuroscience-informed clinical treatment and is certified by the Mindsight Institute in Interpersonal Neurobiology. She greatly enjoys applying this knowledge to all her clinical and educational work. Her experience, both personally and professionally, living & working both in the US and abroad, has allowed her to develop multi-modal, culturally competent, cutting-edge & relevant training programs.  Hannah guest lectures in academic, clinical, and corporate settings around the US and globally. She has developed an engaging presentation style that challenges attendees to stretch while making the learning of difficult information both accessible and fun! Her passion is to educate others on practical, whole-person approaches to personal and professional development to help those she works with reach their greatest potential!

After this training, participants will be able to:

  • Analyze Internal Family Systems (IFS) structure and techniques from both traditional and neuroscience-informed perspectives.
  • Apply a non-pathologizing model of treatment to reduce shame and increase client’s ability to grow and change.
  • Use integrated cognitive and somatic, imagery- and analogy-based techniques to develop the concept of the “Inner Child” to promote experiences that create new neural connections that lead to lasting change and healing
  • Learn techniques to teach internal communication, self-compassion, and define and measure success in more effective ways.
  • Communicate modern neuroscience principles of neuroplasticity, mentalization, and somatic responding as it relate to IFS and the “Inner Child,” in a user-friendly manner.
  • Apply newly learned skills in real time to build competency and confidence as a practitioner.

10:00 -10:05 am – Introduction

10:05-11:00 am – What Does it Mean to be Non-Pathologizing?

11:00-11:30 am – Brief History of IFS Development

11:30 am -12:00 pm – IFS Vocabulary and Concepts

12:00-12:30 pm – Break

12:30-2:30 pm – IFS Vocabulary and Concepts and IFS from Neuroscience Perspective

2:30-2:45 pm – Break

2:45- 4:35 pm –  Neuroscience-based techniques and practice

4:35-4:45 pm – Q&A

All levels.

Registration Cost

Registration $135 | Jun. 13 | Virtual Event | 6 CE Credits | 10:00 am – 4:45 pm ET

Registration Deadline:  Jun. 13, 2026

Cancellation Policy

All registrations are non-refundable. However, you may request a full credit toward a future training if:

  • You notify us at least 72 hours before the event start time.
  • Credit is valid for up to 6 months from the original event date.
  • No credit will be issued for no-shows or cancellations made on the same day.
  • When you register for an event, you agree to these terms

Please email info@clinicalevents.org to request a credit or reschedule.

A total of 6 CE credits are available.

Additional Approvals Pending.


ASWB ACE

Clinical Events, LLC, (provider # 2201) is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/01/2025 – 11/01/2028.

NBCC

Clinical Events, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved   Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7643 Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Clinical Events, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

NAADAC

This course has been approved by Clinical Events, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #320899, Clinical Events is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

NY State Board of Psychologists

Clinical Events, LLC 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-0292.

NY State Board of Social Workers

Clinical Events, LLC 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-0828.

NY State Board of Mental Health Counselors

Clinical Events, LLC 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 mental health counselors. #MHC-0329.

NY State Board of Marriage & Family Therapists

Clinical Events, LLC 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 marriage and family therapists #MFT-0140.

NJ State Board of Social Workers & Professional Counselors

The New Jersey Social Work Examiners Board accepts ASWB ACE Provider credits. The New Jersey Professional Counselors Board accepts NBCC-approved CE provider credits.

All Other States Social Workers & Professional Counselors

All other states accept ASWB ACE Provider credits and NBCC-approved CE provider credits. Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their jurisdictions. States and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Florida Certification Board

Clinical Events is approved by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) to offer continuing education programs (Provider # 5527-A).

Canada Social Workers

BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC accept ASWB ACE-approved provider programs to meet licensure renewal requirements.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Canada Counsellors

Clinical Events is an NBCC-approved provider.  Licensees are responsible for determining whether courses meet the CE requirements in their province. Provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for credit.

Please contact us if you would like to inquire about applicable approvals for your continuing education (CE) needs.

Each professional is responsible for understanding and meeting the specific CE requirements set by their individual licensing board or regulatory agency. We encourage you to reach out to your licensing body directly to confirm how our programs apply toward your licensure renewal.

Questions:  info@clinicalevents.org

In accordance with continuing education standards and requirements, the presenter discloses that they have no relevant financial relationships, affiliations, or conflicts of interest to report.

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