The Absence of Presence: Healing Neglect Through Internal Family Systems

The Absence of Presence: Healing Neglect Through Internal Family Systems A 3-Day Experiential Retreat for IFS Practitioners Neglect is often described by what didn't happen rather than what did. While abuse leaves visible wounds, neglect leaves an absence—of attunement, protection, comfort, delight, and connection—that profoundly shapes the nervous system, attachment, and the protective strategies we develop to survive. Join IFS Institute Lead Trainer Jenny Fiebig for a three-day experiential retreat exploring neglect through the lens of Internal Family Systems. Together, we'll deepen our understanding of how developmental absence, misattunement, and relational trauma contribute to collapse, shame, dissociation, and the challenges clients often face in accessing Self. Through a blend of lecture, experiential exercises, live demonstrations, meditation, and small-group practice, participants will explore both their own lived experiences of neglect and the ways these experiences influence the therapeutic relationship. Together we'll learn to recognize and work compassionately with the protective systems that emerge from neglect while cultivating greater trust in Self leadership, relationship, and repair. IFSI Level 1 or higher is recommended. This retreat is for therapists and practitioners who already have a solid grasp of core IFS concepts and skills, since these won’t be reviewed. Participants should be able to unblend and be ready to go deeper into their own inner work, both for personal healing and for their clinical practice, within a supportive, relational learning community. We will be applying for IFSI CE's.