proudly presents
Understanding Attunement: An Internal Family Systems Approach
Friday, August 7, 2026
10:00AM – 6:00PM EDT
Live, interactive webinar on Zoom
Facilitator: Michael Fitzgerald, LMFT, PhD, IFSI Assistant Trainer,
Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University
IFS CEs: 6.5 credits (pending)
NBCC / ASWB: 6.5 CE hours
Live workshop limited to 40 participants.
All participants will receive access to the workshop recording for 60 days.
REGISTRATION FEE: $250 USD
Changing the Conversation from “Being Self-Led” to “How Are We Being Self-Led?”
Many individuals seek therapy after experiencing trauma, attachment ruptures, or other forms of interpersonal harm. Healing from these experiences is often fostered through relationships that feel attuned, safe, and secure.
Yet remaining attuned can be challenging, particularly when a therapist’s own attachment experiences, protective strategies, and internal dynamics emerge in the therapy room.
This workshop explores attunement through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), examining the roles that Self-energy and therapist parts play in fostering—or disrupting—connection.
While IFS clinicians often focus on the importance of being Self-led, this workshop invites participants to consider a related question: How are we being Self-led within the therapeutic relationship?
Through this lens, participants will explore how Self-energy is communicated through presence, attunement, responsiveness, and repair.
Participants will deepen their understanding of attunement, explore how experiences of misattunement shape clinical presence, identify therapist parts that interfere with connection, and learn strategies for recognizing and repairing misattunements in the therapeutic relationship.
Through didactic instruction, experiential exercises, case examples, and a live demonstration, participants will gain practical tools for cultivating greater attunement, deepening therapeutic presence, and strengthening the healing potential of the therapeutic relationship.
Intended Audience (click to expand)
Master’s level social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other healing professionals trained in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. This workshop is designed for clinicians who have completed IFS Level 1 training, as well as IFS-informed clinicians who have extensive experience applying IFS approaches in their clinical work.
Level of Content: Intermediate
Course Interaction (click to expand)
This workshop will include didactic lecture, facilitated discussion, live demonstration, and case-based learning. Participants will engage in guided experiential exercises. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and engage in instructor-led dialogue throughout the training.
Workshop Learning Objectives (click to expand)
- Describe attunement from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective and explain its relationship to the qualities of Self.
- Identify experiences of misattunement and explain how such experiences may impact clinical presence and therapeutic relationships.
- Identify therapist parts that may interfere with maintaining attunement in the therapeutic relationship.
- Recognize signs of misattunement in the therapeutic relationship and describe strategies for initiating repair.
Michael Fitzgerald, PhD, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor is an assistant professor in Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. In addition, he sees clients (individuals, couples, and families) and provides individual and group consultation. Michael has been in IFS since 2017, served as a PA in nearly two dozen Level 1 and Level 2s, and is level 3 trained. His clinical background is working with individuals, couples, and families that have experienced trauma and addictions having worked in both outpatient community mental health settings as well as intensive outpatient and inpatient treatment centers focusing on eating disorder and sex addiction. Michael is also trained in EMDR and completed a year long certificate in the treatment of traumatic stress from the Trauma Center in Boston, MA.
Michael has taught a variety of courses to MFTs (notably treatment of trauma and addictions), undergraduate (family systems and family trauma) and doctoral students (research methods and advanced statistics). Michael has published over 50 peer reviewed articles, including several empirical studies on IFS. He conducts research on the effects of childhood trauma and ACEs on adult mental and physical health with a focus on how couple and familial relationships serve as either a risk factor or a protective factor. Additionally, he is leading a project looking a communication difficulties between 1st and 2nd generation Hispanic immigrants due to the lack of a shared language and examining whether communication difficulties account for known health disparities.
Program Content and Timeline
Friday August 7, 2026
10:00am – 6:00pm EDT
10:00am–10:30am: Defining Attunement and Exploring Perspectives on Attunement
This segment will begin with a brief introduction to the agenda and course objectives. Participants will be introduced to the foundational concept of attunement, including a working definition, a clinical case example, and research findings related to attunement. A meditation will provide participants with an experiential opportunity to attune to themselves.
10:30am–11:30am: Attunement from an IFS Perspective
Attunement will be conceptualized through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), with a focus on the roles that Self-energy and parts play in fostering attunement. Participants will also explore the differences between attunement and empathy. This segment will include a guided meditation or experiential exercise designed to support participants in attuning to their own internal systems.
11:30am–11:45am: 15 minute Break
11:45am–12:30pm: Experiential Exercise: Personal Experiences of Attunement and Misattunement
Participants will engage in an experiential exercise exploring their own histories of attunement and misattunement, including which aspects of Self-energy were accepted or discouraged within important relationships and contexts.
12:30pm–1:15pm: Therapist Parts that Interfere with Attunement
In this segment, participants will identify parts of themselves that may block access to Self-energy in their clinical work. The focus will be on personal burdens and protective strategies that interfere with the therapist’s ability to remain present, connected, and attuned in session. Experiential exercises and a case example will be used to illustrate how therapist parts can disrupt the relational field.
1:15pm–2:15pm: Meal Break
2:15 pm–3:00pm: Repairing Misattunements
In the next segment, participants will explore how to recognize and repair misattunements that have occurred in the therapeutic process. There will be a focus on repairing misattunements including how to center the impact of the misattunement, when to pursue a repair versus creating an opportunity in the future for repair.
3:00pm–3:45pm: Experiential Exercise
An experiential will be used to guide participants through a process in which previous misattunements are repaired to promote understanding of how a repair can be impactful and therapeutic.
3:45pm–4:00pm: 15 minute Break
4:00pm–5:00pm: Live Demonstration and Discussion
A live demonstration of attunement will be used to illustrate the concepts presented throughout the workshop. The demonstration will be annotated with pauses for discussion and clinical commentary to highlight the attunement process as understood by the instructor.
5:00pm–5:40pm: Cultural and Legacy Influences on Attunement
Participants will be introduced to the ways that cultural and legacy burdens can influence their ability to remain attuned in the therapeutic relationship. Concepts will be illustrated through a clinical case example.
5:40pm – 6:00pm: Integration, Final Q & A, and Next Steps
In this final segment, participants will integrate the concepts and experiential learning explored throughout the workshop. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions, discuss key takeaways, and identify next steps for strengthening attunement in their clinical work, including navigating external constraints and barriers to attunement.
Continuing Education (CE) Credit Information
Course Completion Requirements
To earn CE credit, participants must attend the entire course live and have their camera turned on, so attendance can be verified. Additionally, participants must complete an online course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be emailed after online course evaluation is completed via Flexiquiz.
CE Credits Available
Participants will receive 6.5 hours of continuing education (CE) credit upon completing this program. Carefully look at the approvals/acceptances that have been secured for the training for which you are registering.
This workshop qualifies for 6.5 continuing education clock hours as required by many national, state, and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Many states do not require specific approvals; several states require specific approvals; many accept national organization approvals or providers from other states. Save this workshop advertisement and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific requirements.
By registering for this course, you agree to check in to and be knowledgeable about the continuing education approvals that are required for members of your profession in your state. You may contact Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center with any questions PRIOR to the workshop.
IFS CEs: 6.5 Clock Hours (pending)
This live, synchronous workshop has a pending application of 6.5 IFS Continuing Education (CE) by the IFS Institute. Once approved, these credits apply only for Level 1+ Trained individuals who are established Certification Candidates or pursuing IFS Recertification.
NBCC: 6.5 CEs
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7522. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
ASWB ACE: 6.5 CEs
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center, #2113, 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: 07/23/2025 – 07/23/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 6.5 clinical continuing education credits.
New York does not accept ASWB ACE provider or course/conference approval.
What states accept ASWB ACE clock hours? LINK
CE Broker Registrations (click to expand)
Please note: Only the states below use CE Broker to record/track CEs. This is not a full list of states that will accept/recognize this workshop as an eligible source to meet CE requirements.
Arizona: Accepted by & Registered with the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners.
Florida: Accepted by & Registered with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
Georgia: Accepted by & Registered with the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists.
Kansas: Accepted by & Registered with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board for Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors,Social workers, Masters Level Psychologists, and Psychologists.
Michigan: Accepted by & Registered with the Michigan Board of Social Work.
Mississippi: Accepted by & Registered with the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors.
New Hampshire: Accepted by & Registered with the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.
New Hampshire: Accepted by & Registered with the New Hampshire Board of Psychologists.
North Dakota: Accepted by & Registered with the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
Ohio: Accepted by & Registered with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
South Carolina: Accepted by & Registered with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
South Carolina: Accepted by & Registered with the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners.
Tennessee: Accepted by & Registered with the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists.
Tennessee: Accepted by & Registered with the Tennessee Board of Social Workers.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.
West Virginia: Accepted by & Registered with the West Virginia Board of Social Work
West Virginia: Accepted by & Registered with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.
Registration Information
Live Participant Registration Fee: $250 USD
Includes 6.5 CEs and access to the recording for 60 days
Recording-Only Purchase (No CEs): $150 USD
The recording-only option provides on-demand access to the lecture content only and does not include live participation or CE credit. Handouts, presentation slides, bibliography, and chat summary will be included as part of purchase.
Registration Deadline: Please register by 5:00 PM, August 6, 2026, Eastern Time.
Cancellation and Refund Policy for Live Training Participation
Full refund, minus $25 administration fee, until July 8, 2026. After that date, there are no refunds for cancellation. Cancellation and refund requests shall be submitted in writing to info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
Recording purchases are final. Because this is a live training recording (not a studio production), minor audio or video imperfections may occur (for example, syncing quirks). By purchasing, you acknowledge this and agree that purchases are non-refundable based on production quality.In the very rare exception of a true technical issue that prevents access altogether, a refund will be provided.
Compassionate Access Adjustments
At Multiplicity of the Mind, we value accessibility and community care. We offer Compassionate Access Adjustments for clinicians who may need financial flexibility to attend. These fee adjustments reflect our belief that everyone deserves opportunities for learning and connection, regardless of financial circumstances.
If a reduced fee would make participation possible for you, please email us at info@multiplicityofthemind.com for a list of coupon codes for various discount amounts to use at checkout. While we’re unable to offer full scholarships at this time, we do our best to make participation accessible whenever possible. We’re also happy to arrange split payments via invoice if that makes it easier to register.
Workshop Video Recording
This workshop will be recorded and available for viewing for 60 days after the workshop concludes. At Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center, we recognize the value of recording workshop. Therefore, we have established the following policy regarding workshop recordings. Please review the recording policy HERE. Please note that only live participation will be eligible for CEs.
Code of Conduct
By registering for and attending this workshop, you agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct for Workshops. Your participation signifies your commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all attendees.
Disability Related Accommodations and Services (click to expand)
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center will make reasonable adjustments or modifications to practices, policies and procedures, and to provide auxiliary aids and services for our training participants with disabilities. It is the responsibility of participants who seek disability-related accommodations and services to submit their requests in a timely manner prior to the training, notwithstanding emergencies or unexpected events that require services. Participants may request services during the registration process. Some services may require further written medical verification that supports the medical reason for the request (e.g., a supporting letter from their medical provider). To start this process, participants can complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form and email it info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
Systems Requirements (click to expand)
Participants must have a stable internet connection and must use their own computer (not a cell phone) during the training. The computer must have a working camera and meet Zoom system requirements. To view more information on Supported Operating Systems, tablet devices, web browsers, processor/RAM, and bandwidth requirements click HERE.
Complaints and Grievances (click to expand)
The goal at Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center is to provide an effective learning experience for all participants. Prior to a scheduled workshop, if you have a problem with registration-related issues, e.g., issues with the registration form, payment, website, promotional materials, emails, you are expected to email Katie Wine-Appleton (info@multiplicityofthemind.com), as soon as possible.
During a training event, the trainer responsible for conducting the training has Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center’s authority to address any concerns that arise during the actual training. Every effort will be made to address the concerns during the training to include changing practice partners, addressing staff issues, etc. If the trainer is unable to address the participant’s concerns, the complaints and grievances shall be presented in writing to Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, Founder, Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center.
During and after the workshop completion, complaints and grievances regarding course content, promotional or educational materials, facilitator’s behaviors, workshop site, facilities, technological resources, or any other course-related issues, shall be presented in writing to Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, Founder, Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center. Licensed Social Workers: Should social workers have a specific grievance, these grievances will be addressed by Helen Hill, LISW-S, the social work consultant for Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center.
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center’s approach in resolving grievances is always from the perspective of what is in the fairest way to resolve the matter. All complaints and grievances are reviewed within 5 working days. Formal grievances are required to be written and emailed to info@multiplicityofthemind.com and will be responded to within 10 business days.
There are no known conflicts of interests for this workshop.
Join us in a neurodivergent-affirming learning environment that reflects the very principles we’re teaching. Being on screen all day can be a lot—movement is encouraged, and you’re welcome to engage in ways that work best for you.
You’re invited to show up as you are. You don’t have to mask here.
Can’t sit still in a chair? Move, stretch, or spin around—we’re okay with that. Need to walk on a treadmill? Go for it. Prefer to lie on the floor and listen? That works too (just keep your video on 😊). If you learn best by asking questions, you’re encouraged to jump in at any point—we get it. If speaking up isn’t your thing, you’re always welcome to use the chat or send a private message.
Stim, move, and engage in ways that support your nervous system. All parts of you are welcome here!
Contact Information for Questions and Assistance
Please contact Katie Wine-Appleton, Owner/CE Director for Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center, with questions, concerns, etc. She can be reached at info@multiplicityofthemind.com
Disclaimer: Please note that this workshop, “Understanding Attunement: An Internal Family Systems Approach” is independently organized by Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, a Certified IFS Therapist and facilitated by Michael Fitzgerald, PhD, LMFT, a Certified IFS Therapist and IFSI Assistant Trainer. This workshop is not affiliated with the IFS Institute and is not a substitute for a Level 1 IFS training provided by the IFS Institute.