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

As we come to better understand trauma and the impact it has on our clients, it’s becoming clear that many clients benefit from trauma-informed care. It’s our responsibility as therapists to provide this, while also being prepared to provide psychoeducation and early interventions for trauma-based symptoms. This episode seeks to provide therapists with tangible tools to use in session.

Objectives:

1. How trauma is defined, the different types of trauma, the principles of trauma-informed care.

2. How early attachment disruptions and relational trauma shape adult emotional regulation, identity, and relationships—both for clients and within the therapeutic relationship.

3. Recognize common trauma-related symptoms and presentations, including hyperarousal, hypoarousal, and dissociation as well as an introduction to the Window of Tolerance.

Host:

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:

Sherene Al-Turk, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and clinical supervisor at AMK Counseling. Sherene holds specialized training in trauma-informed care.

CE Info & NBCC Statement:

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.

References:

• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery.

• Siegel, D. J. (1999). The Developing Mind.

• Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body.

• Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd Ed.).

• Janina Fisher: janinafisher.com/resources

• Bessel van der Kolk (2014): The Body Keeps the Score

• Janina Fisher (2021): Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma

• Richard Schwartz (2021): No Bad Parts

• Christine Courtois & Julian Ford (2016): Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders

  Francine Shapiro (2018): Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, 3rd ed.