What happens when the “parts” our clients carry are shaped not only by personal experience, but by migration, survival, and cultural expectation? In this episode, we explore how Internal Family Systems can help therapists understand the inner conflicts often experienced by second-generation immigrant clients — from achievement-driven protectors to exiled feelings of guilt, grief, and not fully belonging.

Objectives:

• Review the basics of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework.

• Discuss common clinical challenges that second generation immigrants in the U.S. face.

• Explore applications of IFS practice when working with 2nd generation immigrant clients.

Host Bio: Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

Guest Bio: Grace Oczon, LCPC is a licensed professional counselor and Therapist at AMK Counseling. She is also the Executive Director of the Infinite Possibilities Program. Name holds specialized training in Internal Family Systems and has experience in immigration advocacy.

AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, ⁠Infinite Possibilities Program⁠, we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠⁠amkcounseling.com/contintuining-education⁠⁠

for more information or email ⁠⁠trainings@amkcounseling.com to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

• Anderson, F.G., Sweezy, M., & Schwartz, R.C. (2017). Internal family systems skills training manual: Trauma-informed treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD & substance abuse. Eau Claire, WI: PESI Publishing.
• Chang, G. (2016). Disposable domestics: Immigrant women workers in the global economy (2nd ed.). Haymarket Books.
• Rizzo, A. 2021 Jun 28. Unburdening Parts (Exiles and Protectors) in IFS Therapy. Therapy with Alessio. Retrieved from https://www.therapywithalessio.com/articles/unburdening-exiles
• Schwartz, R.C. & Sweezy, M. (2021). Internal Family Systems Therapy (2nd ed.). New York NY: Guilford Press.
• Schwartz, R.C. (2023). You are the one you’ve been waiting for: Bringing courageous love to intimate relationships. Louisville, CO: Sounds True. (Original work published 2008).
• Schwartz, R.C. (2020) No bad parts. Louisville, CO: Sounds True.
• The 8 C’s of IFS (1997). PDF. Retrieved from https://www.mentallyfitpro.com/c/free-therapy-worksheets/internal-family-systems-worksheets