proudly presents
Working with Extreme Firefighter Parts:
Conceptualization, Context, and Intervention from an IFS Perspective
A Two Day Intensive
June 22 & June 29, 2026
10:30AM – 5:00PM 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: 10 credits (pending)
NBCC / ASWB: 10 CE hours
Live workshop limited to 40 participants.
All participants will receive access to the workshop recording for 60 days.
REGISTRATION FEE: $350 USD
Even the most extreme parts make sense—learn how to meet them
with clarity, skill, and compassion.
From an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, therapists regularly encounter parts in extreme roles—whether through substance use, dissociation, rage, self-harm, or other high-risk behaviors. These extreme firefighter parts can feel intimidating, reactive, and resistant to change, often pulling both the client and therapist into cycles that feel stuck, urgent, or overwhelming.
And yet—these parts are not the problem. They are protectors, working hard to do their job—even when the system pays a high cost.
This work asks for a stance of curiosity, compassion, and care, even in the face of behaviors that feel urgent or overwhelming.
This workshop focuses on how to work with extreme firefighters in a way that reduces internal conflict, builds trust, and helps the system move forward. Rather than trying to override or control these parts, participants will learn how to befriend them while staying grounded in Self and attuned to the larger internal and external context.
We’ll explore key internal dynamics such as polarizations between managers and firefighters, as well as common patterns like the shame cycle. At the same time, we’ll zoom out to consider how external systems—family, culture, and broader societal influences—shape and maintain these internal patterns.
Throughout the training, participants will develop practical, IFS-informed skills including:
• Direct access with extreme parts
• Parts mapping and tracking internal sequences
• Creating effective internal contracts (including in high-risk situations)
• Recognizing and working with therapist parts that become activated in this work
• …..and additional tools, insights, and clinical nuances to support this work
This is an experiential workshop, incorporating guided exercises, meditation, case examples, and discussion to help participants integrate the material into their clinical practice.
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!
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 demonstrations, and case-based learning. Participants will engage in guided experiential exercises and practical application activities. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and engage in instructor-led dialogue throughout the training.
Workshop Learning Objectives (click to expand)
- Apply an understanding of the internal dynamics of extreme firefighters within an Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework to clinical practice
- Analyze how external systems (e.g., family, relationships, and societal influences) contribute to the development and maintenance of extreme firefighter roles.
- Identify common internal polarizations (e.g., between managers and firefighters) and utilize at least two strategies to reduce internal conflict.
- Describe and apply parts mapping and sequence tracking to identify patterns such as the shame cycle.
- Demonstrate an understanding of direct access techniques, including how to interview, befriend, and build internal contracts with extreme firefighters.
- Identify therapist parts that become activated when working with extreme firefighters and utilize strategies to maintain Self-leadership.
- Describe the role of conjoint treatment approaches (e.g., couples, family, and group therapy) in working with extreme firefighters, including benefits and contraindications.
- Explain the four levels of change (behavioral, internal, external, and societal) and integrate these into treatment planning.
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
Day 1: Focusing Internally
Monday, June 22, 2026; 10:30am – 5:00pm EDT
10:30am – 11:45am: Introduction, Orientation, and Defining Extreme Firefighters
Participants will be introduced to the course objectives and overall structure of the training. This segment includes a guided meditation and an introduction to the concept of extreme firefighters within an IFS framework. Through case examples and experiential exercises, participants will begin identifying extreme parts and noticing their own internal responses to this work.
11:45am – 12:00pm: 15-minute Break
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Working with Polarizations & Creating Workable Contracts
Participants will explore the internal dynamics between managers and extreme firefighters, including common polarizations (e.g., critical parts vs. reactive parts). Emphasis will be placed on befriending protective parts, addressing fears, and facilitating unblending. Two approaches to working with polarizations will be introduced, with experiential practice building on the earlier exercise.
1:00pm – 2:00pm: 60-minute Meal Break
2:00pm – 3:15pm: Tracking Internal Sequences & Mapping Parts
This segment focuses on identifying and tracking internal sequences, including common cycles such as shame-based patterns. Participants will learn to differentiate between acute and chronic extreme firefighter responses. A case study and experiential exercise will support application of parts mapping and sequence tracking.
3:15pm – 3:30pm: 15-minute Break
3:30pm – 5:00pm: Direct Access & Contracting with Extreme Firefighters
Participants will learn how to directly access, interview, and befriend extreme firefighters using structured protocols. Both basic and advanced scripts will be provided. This segment includes application to high-risk behaviors (e.g., suicidality, self-harm, aggression) and explores how to establish effective internal contracts. A guided experiential activity will be used to help participants apply these concepts and deepen their understanding.
Day 2: Focusing Developmentally and Externally
Monday, June 29, 2026; 10:30am – 5:00pm EDT
10:30am – 11:45am: External Systems & Developmental Influences
Participants will examine how external systems (family, culture, environment) influence internal parts. This includes an introduction to legacy burdens and strategies for assessing and intervening at the system level.
11:45am – 12:00pm: 15-minute Break
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Couples, Family, and Group Therapy Applications
This segment explores the role of conjoint therapies (couples, family, and group work) in addressing extreme firefighters. Participants will review benefits, contraindications, and key clinical considerations when incorporating relational and group-based interventions.
1:00pm – 2:00pm: 60-minute Meal Break
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Working with Therapist Parts
Participants will identify common therapist parts that become activated when working with extreme firefighters. Through experiential exercises, clinicians will increase awareness of their own internal responses and develop strategies for maintaining Self-leadership in challenging clinical situations.
3:00pm – 3:15pm: 15-minute Break
3:15pm – 4:15pm: Deepening Work with Therapist Parts
This segment continues the exploration of therapist parts with more advanced application and experiential practice, helping clinicians integrate this awareness into their ongoing clinical work.
4:15pm – 5:00pm: Levels of Change & Integration
Participants will learn the four levels of change when working with extreme parts: behavioral, internal, external (family), and societal. The training concludes with integration of key concepts and a live Q&A.
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 10 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 10 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: 10 Clock Hours (pending)
This live, synchronous workshop has a pending application of 10 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: 10 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: 10 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 5.5 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: $350 USD
Includes 10 CEs and access to the recording for 60 days
Recording-Only Purchase (No CEs): $200 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, June 21, 2026, Eastern Time.
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.
Cancellation and Refund Policy for Live Training Participation
Full refund, minus $25 administration fee, until May 23, 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.
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.
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, “Working with Extreme Firefighter Parts: Conceptualization, Context, and Intervention from an IFS Perspective” 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.