As we look to Internal Family Systems (IFS) within the context of climate psychology, we can see how this approach offers invaluable tools for transformative work at both personal and collective levels, particularly in communities working on climate and sustainability issues. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS frames the mind as an ecosystem of “parts,” each representing unique motivations, emotions, and beliefs. Through the lens of IFS, we can explore how even those committed to climate action and social change carry parts shaped by the very systems they strive to transform. For example, parts that have absorbed capitalist, neo-liberal messages or colonial ways of thinking may unintentionally shape how we engage with climate work, bringing tensions that affect individual well-being and collective outcomes. IFS provides a structured approach to explore and address these dynamics, transforming both personal and professional relationships in the process.
The IFS (Internal Family Systems) model provides a powerful tool that helps us to make invisible systemic dynamics visible and explore hidden conflicts between the drivers of our plans for change. Depending on which part of you is in charge, your actions and decisions will be dramatically different, creating dramatically different outcomes in the world.
For example:
Fearful parts might worry about failing to implement change or the fear of not doing enough.
Avoidant parts might want to escape the complexity and uncertainty, by retreating into procrastination or being invested in quick and easy wins to appease the fearful parts
Critical parts might question whether your contribution can make a difference at all and whether you have anything useful to offer
Heroic parts might want to save the world single handedly
Self-led leadership allows a more integrated approach to decision-making. It refers to the IFS concept of leading from the "Self," with strategic wisdom, calmness, clarity and compassion. When we engage with Self, we can embrace a systems approach, feel more connected to collective efforts, reduce isolation and foster collaboration that comes from an integrated relationship with a world in crisis.
This self-led approach fosters a resilient and engaged mindset, enabling us to contribute meaningfully to climate action within our specific contexts.
Sessions
Introduction to the IFS lens to sustainability
Exploring adapted cultural manager parts
Exploring what is exiled
Exploring parts that deflect from discomfort
Self Leadership
Integration
The group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people.
You will receive
❃ 6 x 2 hours group sessions for 6 months
❃ 6 x 1 hour meetings in a small online peer group over 6 months
❃ A course specific handbook
❃ A pack of IFS Cards (worth £38 in retail)
❃ Links to lectures and IFS material
❃ Practical exercises and tools
❃ An individual IFS session with Steffi
Details
Every first Monday of the month for 6 months (except August and September), starting from Monday 7th April 2025.
Monday 7th April
Monday 5th May
Monday 2nd June
Monday 7th July
No session in August
Monday 8th September
Monday 6th October
To register, click the button below. You will be directed to an external registration page.
Times
5-7pm UK/ 6-8pm CET/ 9-11 am PT
Cost
Employed at a large corporation : £690
Self funding: £550
Concession: £420
3 places available for ‘pay what you can”. Contact steffibednarek@gmail.com
About the Facilitator
Steffi Bednarek is a climate psychologist and consultant in climate psychology, complexity and ecological thinking and regenerative culture. She is the author and editor of “Climate, Psychology, and Change: Reimagining Psychotherapy in an Era of Global Disruption and Climate Anxiety” and the director of the Centre for Climate Psychology.