Someone who is familiar with IoPT constellations asked me these questions, so I thought I’d post my replies to help others:
QUESTION:
IoPT uses intention method, does the IFS do the same or is it more like the traditional Family Constellation?
ANSWER:
Neither! Though the method is recognisably similar to other types of constellation, it is also very different. Here’s what happens:
The client brings an issue to work with, but there is no written intention and we do not invite representatives to take on either people or words.
Instead we work with the client noticing and naming parts as they experience them somatically in the moment (just as in IFS 1:2:1 therapy). Then consciously ‘unblending’ from that part and inviting a representative to step into it.
From this point the normal ‘resonance’ process of constellations takes place – which usually leads to further parts emerging.
The conversation that develops between the client and their parts through the constellation is guided by the curiosity and compassion questions from IFS therapy.
Richard Schwartz’s 3-part IFS model is similar in some ways to Franz Ruppert’s IoPT model (I think both have been around 25+ years, but have no idea which came first, or if they developed with awareness of each other). On key difference is that Schwart’z concept of – and way of working with – ‘Self’ is very different from Ruppert’s ‘I’, with the former focussing on unblending from parts and consciously building self-compassion.
QUESTION:
Do you train people in this method, so they get certified practitioners of IFS constellation?
ANSWER:
There is no certification – IFS Constellations is a very new process devised by me, so I am currently the only person currently using it.
For anyone wanting to use my model, core training in IFS therapy, plus some form of constellations facilitation and a good therapeutic knowledge of current psychotrauma theory and practice would be essential foundations.
