proudly presents
Inside the Therapist’s Mind:
An Ethics-Focused Internal Family Systems (IFS) Approach to
Navigating Countertransference
Friday, July 17, 2026
10:00am – 5:00pm Eastern Time
Live, interactive webinar on Zoom
Facilitator: Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, Certified IFS Therapist
5.75 Clock Hours of CEs
CE Subject: ETHICS
Early Bird Rate until June 1: $150 USD
Standard Workshop Fee: $190 USD
This workshop will not be recorded
WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 18 PARTICIPANTS
This Is Not Your Average Ethics Course
Let’s be honest: ethics courses can feel dry, overly technical, or disconnected from the realities of clinical work. What if ethics training could instead be engaging, experiential, and directly applicable to the therapy room?
Most therapists receive little formal training on how to work with their own internal world — the beliefs, fears, judgments, and emotional reactions we inevitably bring into clinical encounters. These internal responses, often referred to as countertransference, significantly influence the therapeutic relationship.
This workshop offers a grounded and practical approach to understanding and managing countertransference through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS provides a compassionate framework for exploring the complexity of our inner experience while maintaining professional responsibility.
Through guided experiential exercises, small-group reflection, and applied clinical discussion, participants will learn to identify how their own Parts — the internal aspects of themselves that become activated — emerge in response to clients. You will strengthen self-awareness, deepen ethical discernment, and cultivate a more grounded and attuned clinical presence.
No prior experience with IFS is required — just bring your curiosity, openness, and a willingness to reflect.
Why Countertransference Awareness Matters
Ethical practice requires more than knowledge of professional codes; it requires ongoing self-awareness. When therapists become emotionally activated, reactive, or overwhelmed in response to client dynamics, clarity and attunement can narrow.
This workshop connects the Internal Family Systems model with ethical responsibility by offering tools for recognizing and managing countertransference in real time. Developing this awareness reduces the risk of ethical missteps and supports therapists in providing competent, attuned, and ethically sound care.
This Workshop Is For You If:
- You want to strengthen your ability to practice from Self — with clarity, curiosity, and confidence.
- You have ever felt reactive, stuck, or emotionally charged with a client and weren’t sure how to navigate it.
- You’re ready to rethink ethics as more than just rules — and instead, as a path toward more embodied, present, and attuned care.
- You value experiential learning and want time in small reflection groups with other therapists who are willing to be honest about the real, complex experience of doing this work — and who are seeking a safe, professionally held space to explore it.
Intended Audience
This workshop is designed for a diverse audience of mental health professionals, including Master’s level counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists; psychologists, and other professionals and practitioners working in the mental health field.
No prior experience with Internal Family Systems (IFS) is required. Participants with foundational knowledge of IFS concepts, such as Self and Parts, may experience additional depth, but the material is accessible to clinicians new to the model.
Level of Content: Intermediate
Course Interaction
This live webinar is fully interactive and incorporates multiple learning modalities, including didactic instruction, guided experiential exercises, structured small-group reflection, applied case discussion, and large-group dialogue. Participants will have opportunities to engage with the instructor throughout the training.
Workshop Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Define countertransference within contemporary clinical practice and its relevance to ethical responsibility.
- Differentiate between Self-led clinical presence and therapist parts activated in response to client dynamics.
- Identify at least three internal, legacy, or systemic factors that contribute to countertransference reactions.
- Analyze how unmanaged countertransference may impact professional competence, attunement, and ethical decision-making.
- Apply at least two strategies for unblending from therapist parts to maintain therapeutic boundaries and effectiveness.
Ethical Considerations Addressed in This Workshop
This training directly addresses ethical responsibilities outlined in the NASW, ACA, APA, AAMFT, and Ohio Revised Code of Ethics, particularly in the areas of competence and impairment.
By integrating these ethical standards with the Internal Family Systems framework, this workshop equips therapists with practical tools to enhance self-awareness, manage internal activation, and uphold ethical, attuned clinical care.
Competence
Participants will examine how countertransference affects clinical effectiveness and ethical practice. The workshop supports ongoing self-monitoring and reflective practice to maintain professional competence and provide attuned care.
- NASW Code of Ethics: Competence (1.04)
- ACA Code of Ethics: Competence (C.2.a)
- APA Ethics Code: Competence (2.01)
- AAMFT Code of Ethics: Competence (1.3)
Impairment
The training explores how unmanaged countertransference can subtly impair judgment and therapeutic presence. Participants will learn to recognize early signs of impairment and understand their ethical responsibility to take appropriate action to protect clients.
- NASW Code of Ethics: Impairment (4.05)
- ACA Code of Ethics: Impairment (C.2.g)
- APA Ethics Code: Impairment (2.06)
- AAMFT Code of Ethics: Impairment (5.5)
- Ohio Revised Code: Impairment (ORC 4757-5-05)
Program Content and Timeline
Friday, July 17, 2026
10:00am-5pm Eastern Time
10:00am – 11:15am: Laying the Foundation: Countertransference Awareness through an IFS Lens
We begin by grounding our understanding of countertransference in both ethical responsibility and Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory.
- Establishing group safety and expectations
- Defining countertransference: traditional and contemporary perspectives
- Ethical implications: competence, impairment, and professional responsibility
- Brief overview of the IFS model
- Experiential exercise: noticing therapist parts activated in clinical interactions
Understanding Self-energy in the therapist- The 8 Cs: Compassion, Curiosity, Calm, Clarity, Confidence, Courage, Creativity, and Connectedness
11:15am – 11:30am: 15 minute break
11:30am – 12:45pm: The Burdened Therapist: What We Bring Into the Room
In this section, we internal and external factors that may reduce their capacity to respond effectively.
- Internal burdens: personal trauma history, attachment patterns, and unresolved relational dynamics
- Legacy and cultural burdens: inherited beliefs, family messages, and societal expectations
- Guided small-group reflection on personal and professional influences
12:45pm – 1:30pm: 45 minute Meal Break
1:30pm – 2:20pm: Systemic and Environmental Influences on Countertransference
We continue examining the systemic and environmental pressures that contribute to internal activation.
- External pressures: productivity culture and systemic stressors
- The impact of organizational and relational dynamics
- Structured small-group reflection and integration
2:20pm – 3:15pm: Exploring Therapist Parts: Honoring and Examining Our Internal Responses
This segment introduces therapist parts as a compassionate, non-pathologizing way to understand countertransference.
- Recognizing countertransference in real time
- How to identify when you are blended with a part
- Defining therapist parts as internal responses activated in the presence of a client
- Reframing countertransference through a parts-based lens
3:15pm – 3:30pm: 15 minute Break
3:30pm – 4:30pm: Therapist Parts in Practice
Participants will explore common therapist protector patterns and their impact on attunement and therapeutic presence.
- Common therapist parts, associated internal experiences, and applied case examples
- How blending can impair attunement or create subtle disconnection
- Structured small-group reflection using guided prompts
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Unblending & Returning to Self: Embodying Self-Leadership in Clinical Work
We conclude with practical strategies for restoring Self-energy and strengthening ethical, grounded clinical presence.
- Practices for unblending from parts
- Integrating Self-leadership into clinical work
- Q&A and closing reflections
Trainer Information
Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist and IFS Institute–Approved Clinical Consultant based in Columbus, Ohio. She has over 23 years of experience in the mental health field and maintains a private practice specializing in experiential trauma therapies.
Katie is also an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and has served as an EMDR training coach, IFS Level 1 and Level 2 Program Assistant, and workshop facilitator. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of IFS- and EMDR-trained clinicians and founded Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center to expand access to high-quality, experiential continuing education
Through her teaching, Katie integrates ethical reflection, self-of-the-therapist work, and Internal Family Systems principles to help clinicians cultivate grounded Self-leadership in their practice.
Outside of her professional work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat, Shinobi. She is deeply connected to her Appalachian roots and values honoring the wisdom of those who came before her.
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 5.75 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 5.75 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.
ETHICS CEs: Please note that this workshop might also qualify as an eligible source of Ethics CE Credits as required by many licensure boards. Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center is unable to determine this for you but is willing to provide the necessary documents you may need to apply for Ethics CEs as part of a post-workshop approval process in your state, if allowable.
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.
NBCC: 5.75 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.
IFS CEs: 5.75 Clock Hours
This live, synchronous workshop has a pending application of 5.75 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.
ASWB ACE: 5.75 Ethics 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 5.75 ethics 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
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.
Florida: Accepted by & Registered with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Georgia: Accepted by & Registered with the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Kansas: Accepted by & Registered with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board – Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Michigan: Accepted by & Registered with the Michigan Board of Social Work for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Mississippi: Accepted by & Registered with the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors for 5.5 hours of Ethics CEs.
New Hampshire: Accepted by & Registered with the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
North Dakota: Accepted by & Registered with the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Ohio: Accepted by & Registered with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for 5.75 clock hours meeting the ETHICS REQUIREMENT for Counselors, Social Workers, & Marriage and Family Therapists in Ohio.
South Carolina: Accepted by & Registered with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors and Therapists for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
South Carolina: Accepted by & Registered with the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners for 5.75 hours of CEs
Tennessee: Accepted by & Registered with the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Tennessee: Accepted by & Registered with the Tennessee Board of Social Workers for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
West Virginia: Accepted by & Registered with the West Virginia Board of Social Work for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
West Virginia: Application pending with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling for 5.75 hours of Ethics CEs.
Registration Information
Early Bird Registration Fee: $150 USD until June 1, 2026. No coupon code is needed.
After June 1, 2026, Standard Registration Fee: $190 USD
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.
Registration Deadline: Please register by 9:00 AM, Thursday, July 16 2026, Eastern Time.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Full refund, minus $25 administration fee, until Wednesday, June 17, 2025. After that date, there are no refunds for cancellation. Cancellation and refund requests shall be submitted in writing to info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
Disability Related Accommodations and Services
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, To start this process, participants can complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form and email it info@multiplicityofthemind.com
System Requirements
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.
Code of Conduct
By registering for and attending this workshop, you agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct for Online Workshops. Your participation signifies your commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all attendees.
Complaints and Grievances
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.
Correspondence from Continuing Education Provider
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center will send correspondence about the training, including an email confirmation when the registration fee is received. An email with the Zoom link and other important information will be sent one week prior to the workshop, followed by another email with workshop materials 24 hours before the event. These emails will come from info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
If you are not receiving these emails, please check your Spam folder as correspondence from new organizations often ends up there. Once you receive your first correspondence, please save the email address to your address book. If you have not received a confirmation email or other correspondence from us within three days of the event, it is your responsibility to reach out to us at info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
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, “Inside the Therapist’s Mind: An Ethics-Focused Internal Family Systems (IFS) Approach to Navigating Countertransference” is independently organized and facilitated by Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, a Certified IFS Therapist. 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. It is designed to provide participants with a basic understanding of the principles and foundations of IFS Therapy, but it does not confer official IFS certification or accreditation.