Volunteer as a Practice Assistant
Are you trained in the IFS model and passionate about helping others learn to apply it?
Parts Work Practice is growing—and we’re looking for more Practice Assistants to support our sessions and community.
Practice Assistants share in the following responsibilities:
• Leading brief opening or closing meditations
• Facilitating exercises from the PartsWork Guidebook in breakout rooms
• Answering questions and engaging in discussion after breakout sessions
• Watching the chat and surfacing comments or questions to the host
• Occasionally taking on Zoom tech support duties
• Staying active in the PWP Facebook group by initiating and contributing to meaningful IFS conversations
• With experience, Practice Assistants may host and lead full sessions
Parts Work Practice Mission
Parts Work Practice exists to help people learn and practice the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model for their own personal growth.
We provide an educational, experiential, peer-learning environment where participants can build skills such as unblending and Self-leadership, while connecting with others who share an interest in the IFS model.
Our sessions are not therapy and do not replace professional care; instead, they empower participants to apply IFS tools on their own or with practice partners, while honoring the boundaries of what should be facilitated by a trained professional.
Core Values
1. Self-Leadership – Model and cultivate Self-led presence in ourselves and others.
2. Peer Learning & Empowerment – Support participants in learning and applying IFS skills for their own use, fostering confidence and independence.
3. Boundaries & Integrity – Honor the limits of what can be done in practice sessions and refer to trained professionals when deeper facilitation is needed.
4. Confidentiality & Respect – Maintain a safe container by protecting what is shared in sessions and treating all participants with respect.
5. Compassion & Curiosity – Approach all parts - our own and others’ - with openness, kindness, and a willingness to understand.
6. Collaboration & Community – Work together as leaders, volunteers, and participants to create an environment of mutual support and shared learning.
7. Commitment to Growth – Embrace ongoing practice, feedback, and self-reflection to deepen both personal and leadership skills.
Practice Assistant Standards & Expectations
1. Practice Self-Leadership – Engage in your own internal work so your parts are in relationship with your Self as much as possible; model this in the group.
2. Model Transparent and Compassionate Presence – Use moments of personal activation as opportunities to model what we teach.
3. Communicate Effectively and Nonviolently – Clear, concise, and respectful communication with all.
4. Be Open to Growth and Feedback – Receive training and feedback with openness; apply improvements.
5. Uphold PWP’s Mission and Core Values – Honor and reflect PWP’s mission and values in all leadership activities.
What We Do and Don’t Do
PWP is not therapy, we do not diagnose, nor do we facilitate therapy sessions
We do facilitate practice sessions using exercises we have designed to help individuals learn how to apply the IFS model to their own lives.
We don’t give feedback without permission to each other or our participants.
We don’t promote professional services during sessions. The Professional Services Flyer is posted in chat. Your breakout room facilitation is great advertising for your services - but do not promote yourself.
We are trained IFS practitioners, not authorities or representatives of the IFS Institute.
We clearly distinguish personal opinions from official IFS teachings.
PWP is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis support. We pause participants who attempt to use practice sessions for therapy and redirect them back to our purpose or refer them to appropriate care and support.
What our volunteers are saying
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Expanded My Skills
“Volunteering with PWP since 2022 has deepened my confidence in the IFS model, expanded my skills beyond one-on-one work, and taught me new ways to explain it to those who are new to the approach. It has brought personal healing, strengthened my ability to hold space for others, and connected me with a vibrant, supportive community. The collective Self-energy here is inspiring, and the experience has been both personally and professionally enriching.”
Cara E. Jones
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Deeply Rewarding
“Volunteering with Parts Work Practice for over three years has been deeply rewarding. I was drawn in by the spirit of collaboration and mutual support, and I’ve found an incredible sense of community with fellow practitioners. The peer support, session swaps, and creative synergy have fueled my professional growth and continual learning. While I’ve received a few clients through PWP, the real value has been the collective upleveling and the joy of building something meaningful together.”
Islena Faircrest, onboardwellness.com
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Increased My Confidence
“Volunteering with Parts Work Practice for the past six months has increased my confidence in leading groups and helped me create supportive, engaging spaces for participants. It has brought greater meaning and focus to my life, allowing me to center my energy on supporting others. I joined to contribute to the IFS community and further develop my leadership skills, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Mariana Harling, IFS Practitioner, www.healingwithcompassion.ca
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Expands My Perspectives
“I began volunteering for PWP in December 2021 and remain passionate about being a PA (and fill-in Zoom tech). PWP energizes me, expands my perspectives, and allows me to share my IFS experience with others. Seeing participants return and grow is inspiring. Volunteering has increased my confidence with the model, and I now feel equipped to offer quality services as an IFS practitioner.”
Morgan Monte, BS, CPSS
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Strengthened My Group Leadereship
“Over 18 months as a PWP Practice Assistant, I strengthened group leadership, secured an IFS I Level 1 PA role (with experience, stipend, and networking), and moved closer to certification. PWP sharpened my clinical skills, deepened my understanding of managers vs. firefighters, and increased confidence with groups. Personally, it clarified my own parts and gave me daily tools. The collegial, low pressure environment is invaluable.“
Brian Jones, LMHC, LPC, www.bjonescounseling.com
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Helped Me Embody Self Energy
“Volunteering with PWP for eight months has boosted my confidence facilitating groups, expanded my skills, and helped me embody Self energy during sessions. I enjoy the community and always leave sessions uplifted. The experience has sharpened my IFS coaching, led to referrals, and allowed me to explore and refine my own facilitation style. It feels meaningful to contribute freely in an area where I have training and passion.”
Jesse Schuhlein, Recharge Coaching
Benefits of Volunteering:
Gain visibility within the larger IFS community
Build trust with participants who often seek out volunteers as coaches or therapists
Become eligible to present at the Parts Work Practice Conference—an exclusive opportunity for active volunteers
Grow into leadership roles and propose specialty groups focused on your niche (e.g., recovery, neurodivergence), supervised and supported by the co-founders
Eligibility:
Practice Assistants must have completed Level 1 IFS training or an equivalent program that includes supervised practice with clients (e.g., Stepping Stones, Coaching with Spirit, Coaching with IFS). If you’re unsure whether your training qualifies, feel free to apply and let us know more.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to contribute, learn, and grow within a vibrant community of IFS practitioners, we’d love to hear from you.