One of the many highlights of this comprehensive video is Schwartz’s discussions about how to work with what goes on inside the therapist while working with couples. In one session, Renee accuses him of being patronizing. See how he handles this, and then listen to him talk about the internal process that contributed to this disconnection with Renee. He says, “The key in a lot of the IFS work is helping therapists stay in their Selves and noticing when parts take over.”

This video also highlights some helpful aspects of working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and the importance of asking permission and working collaboratively so clients always have a sense of being in control and having choice. Additionally, you will learn how to engage clients who are skeptical about this model, as you watch Schwartz respond when Dennis calls the approach “screwy.”

But what’s really most unusual and valuable about this video is the chance to see a course of actual therapy over time, with a couple in a real crisis and in need of help. In some training videos, you see clients who volunteer to come in for a session or two, and although they have issues to explore (as almost all of us do), the issues are not necessarily extremely pressing. But Renee and Dennis really do need help, and in fact manage to some very significant work in these six sessions. And although it’s hard to wrap up a complex couples case in such a short time, you do get the sense that the therapy has been extremely useful, that they are in a much better place at the end and are going to make it whether they continue with another couples therapist or not.