Our Inner Critics are trying to perform a function that is necessary in our psyches. We all need the ability to look at ourselves realistically to see how we could change and improve. We want to be aware of the ways we act that don’t align with our values. We need to be able to see when we are hurting someone unnecessarily or when we aren’t working to our potential. We must recognize when we are doing something dangerous or compromising to our health, when we are being shortsighted because of a need for immediate gratification. The problem is that the Inner Critic performs this function in a way that undermines our self-esteem and self-confidence. Sometimes it criticizes us in ways that are simply false and totally unnecessary. However, there are times when there is a grain of truth in the judgments of our Critic, or even when a judgment contains wisdom we have been ignoring. In these cases, the problem isn’t the content of the Critic’s judgment but rather the harsh, nasty, condemning way it is delivered. The message doesn’t have to be expressed this way; there is another option. Read the rest of this entry »

I just finished teaching the Basic IFS Weekend, and it was a very exciting and fruitful time.  Most of those participants will be taking the next weekend class, on working with Exiles, which is scheduled for November.  There are still a few openings for other people who have taken my Basic Class or the equivalent.

Click here to enroll in class.

Pre-Conference Institute: Thursday, Oct 21st
Conference: Friday, Oct 22nd – Sunday, Oct 24th

For complete conference information and registration visit The Center for Self Leadership website.

Come join The Center for Self Leadership and the IFS community for a long weekend of Self, friends, learning, connections and growth.  This year’s theme is Accessing and Embracing Self-energy: Practicing the Art of Self-leadership.

There will be a free teleconference call to introduce you to Internal Family Systems^SM therapy and the IFS^SM classes. This will include experiential IFS work. It will allow you to:

1. Experience what it is like to participate in a phone class.
2. Ask any questions about the Internal Family Systems model.
3. Get a preview of what the up-coming Basic IFS teleclass will cover.
4. Meet potential teleclass participants.
5. Meet Bonnie and ask her any questions you have.

Wednesday, September 8th
4:30-6:30 PM Pacific (7:30-9:30 PM Eastern)
Email: bonnieweiss@gmail.com to sign up and get call-in information. Read the rest of this entry »

Come join me on Wednesday, September 1st at Open Secret Bookstore beginning at 7:00 PM.  I will be discussing my book Self-Therapy, A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Wholeness and Healing Your Inner Child Using IFS, A New, Cutting-Edge Psychotherapy as well as doing some experiential exercises that will allow you to experience how IFS works. Read the rest of this entry »