I Contain Multitudes: Working with inner parts from an ACT perspective

Ever ran into the experience of wanting two different things? A part of you wanting to go travel, another part wanting to hunker down and read a book? What about clients or yourself experiencing thoughts and behaviors that seem like they are coming from somewhere else? Inner Parts Work, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), has become more widely talked about among practitioners and clients. Inner Parts work brings in a new lens to viewing inner experiences and behaviors. ACBS practitioners need not shy away from this modality and can instead incorporate it into their practice while retaining an ACT foundation. During this workshop, practitioners can become more familiar with Inner Parts Work; get to know some of their own parts; how this type of modality fits in and expands the ACT and CBS framework and interventions through case examples; and gain new skills and interventions in their practice.

Objectives:

1. Understanding Inner Parts Work in the Context of ACT: Participants will explore the concept of Inner Parts Work, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), and learn how it can be integrated within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework.

2. Self-Exploration and Familiarization with Inner Parts: Attendees will have the opportunity to identify and understand their own inner parts, enhancing their self-awareness and therapeutic presence.

3. Applying Inner Parts Work in ACT Practice: Clinicians will develop skills to incorporate Inner Parts Work into their ACT practice, using case examples to illustrate how this modality can enhance therapeutic interventions.

Competencies Acquired:

1. Integration of Inner Parts Work with ACT: Proficiency in understanding and integrating Inner Parts Work, such as IFS, within the ACT and Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) frameworks.

2. Self-Awareness and Reflection: Enhanced ability to identify and understand personal inner parts, leading to increased self-awareness and effective therapeutic presence.

3. Practical Application of New Skills: Ability to apply new skills and interventions from Inner Parts Work in clinical practice, using case examples to guide and inform therapeutic approaches.

Bibliographic Titles

1. Schwartz, R. C. (1995). *Internal Family Systems Therapy*. Guilford Press.

2. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2016). *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change* (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

3. Sweezy, M., & Ziskind, E. L. (Eds.). (2013). *Internal Family Systems Therapy: New Dimensions*. Routledge.

4. Harris, R. (2009). *ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy*. New Harbinger Publications.

5. Stone, H., & Stone, S. (1989). *Embracing Ourselves: The Voice Dialogue Manual*. Nataraj Publishing.

Mathias Funke

Mathias is a clinical psychologist working in private practice in Berlin, Germany. ACT and FAP have transformed his life and work since 2012. Co-facilitator Berlin Awareness Courage and Love Meetup since 2016. Trainings in ACT, workshops and lectures on ACT, FAP, relationships and psychedelic therapy in Germany, Poland, Romania, Cyprus and the USA.