Living a Self-Led Life Course (12 Weeks): A Comprehensive Exploration

The 12-week Living a Self-Led Life Course is designed to guide participants through self-discovery, self-leadership, and personal growth using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model and Effortless Mindfulness. By merging these transformative approaches, the course offers a structured yet supportive environment for individuals to identify and work through personal “parts” or internal obstacles that often prevent them from leading a self-directed life. This educational and supportive experience is not group therapy but serves as a psychoeducational group, providing guidance, practice, and connection for individuals aiming to cultivate greater self-leadership and compassion in their daily lives.

Overview of the Course's Main Components

1. Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model: Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, the IFS model is a therapeutic framework that helps people understand and integrate the various “parts” of themselves, such as thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, which may sometimes seem to be at odds with one another. These parts, which can range from protective aspects to vulnerable or exiled parts, can inhibit individuals from accessing their core “Self”—the source of calm, clarity, and confidence essential to living a self-led life.

2. Effortless Mindfulness: Alongside IFS, the course incorporates Effortless Mindfulness, a mindful approach developed by meditation teacher Loch Kelly. Unlike traditional mindfulness, Effortless Mindfulness emphasizes an open, non-judgmental awareness that encourages people to experience moments of presence and stillness without force. This state of mind complements IFS work, enabling participants to approach their parts with compassion, curiosity, and non-attachment, making it easier to create a harmonious relationship with themselves.

3. Support Group Element: Although this course is not therapy, it’s designed to foster a supportive environment. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, insights, and reflections with the group. This peer-sharing experience, founded on empathy, respect, and non-judgment, deepens individual growth and resilience. The group aspect is significant, as it enables participants to witness diverse journeys, making the path toward a Self-led life more relatable, encouraging, and collectively insightful.

Target Audience and Prerequisites

The course is intended for individuals who are already familiar with mindfulness practices, as it requires a foundational ability to stay present and observe internal experiences. However, it’s essential to note that the course may not be suitable for everyone. Those currently experiencing disabling mental or physical health conditions, intense grief, distressing life situations, or severe relational challenges may find the course's focus less supportive at this time. As such, a 15-minute suitability call is part of the enrollment process to ensure each participant is at a stable place where the course will be beneficial. This step ensures that everyone in the group can fully engage with and benefit from the Self-leadership journey without being overwhelmed by unresolved immediate distress.

Required and Recommended Texts

To deepen understanding and provide structure to the journey, the course utilizes two main texts:

• Required Text: Self-Therapy by Jay Earley, PhD. This book introduces the IFS model in a practical, step-by-step manner, providing participants with tools to engage in self-discovery and work on their parts outside of group sessions.

• Recommended Readings: No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz and Effortless Mindfulness by Loch Kelly. These texts provide further insights into the philosophy and practice of IFS and mindfulness, equipping participants with a deeper understanding of self-compassion, presence, and the neuroscience behind self-leadership.

Course Structure and Weekly Flow

Each session in this 12-week course follows a carefully structured format, balancing educational elements, meditative practice, creative expression, and group connection. Here’s a closer look at the session breakdown:

1. Socializing Time (10 mins): Participants are encouraged to arrive early, allowing time for informal socializing. This pre-class period promotes a sense of community, helping participants build comfort and trust with one another, which will deepen their experience over the course.

2. Opening Meditation and Check-in: Each class begins with a meditation designed to ground participants in their “Self-energy.” This state of calm, centered awareness is essential for IFS work and Effortless Mindfulness, setting the stage for the session’s exercises. Following this, each participant has an opportunity to briefly check in with the group, sharing their current emotional state or any pertinent reflections from the past week.

3. Psychoeducation Segment (IFS and Neuroscience): This educational section delves into the IFS model, providing insights into how different “parts” interact within the psyche and how neuroscience explains these dynamics. Participants will gain a better understanding of how parts function and influence behavior, ultimately equipping them with tools to address their internal challenges constructively. Additionally, facilitators will incorporate book reviews or specific topics from the required and recommended texts.

4. Meditation and Self-Exploration: Another meditation follows, this time focused on nurturing Self-energy and gently observing parts that may be present. Participants are encouraged to bring awareness to parts that have surfaced or to connect with aspects of themselves that they’d like to explore or work on that day. This practice fosters acceptance, curiosity, and compassion, creating a welcoming internal space for these parts to be acknowledged and understood.

5. Externalizing Parts through Creative Expression: In this segment, participants externalize and express their inner parts using various creative tools, such as painting, drawing, clay, figurines, or collage. By giving their parts a tangible form, participants can engage with these parts in new, often revealing ways. Creative expression allows participants to access emotions and insights that might be challenging to verbalize, providing an additional layer of healing and self-discovery.

6. Break (15 mins): A short break offers time for reflection and informal conversation, allowing participants to process the initial parts of the session.

7. Insight Sharing (Speaking “For” a Part): After the break, participants have the opportunity to share insights gained from the session. Importantly, the focus is on speaking for a part, rather than from a part. This practice encourages participants to articulate the feelings and perspectives of their parts without becoming overwhelmed by them, promoting self-leadership and a non-judgmental stance. Creative forms of expression, such as poems, movement, or art, are also welcomed during this time, allowing each participant to share in a way that feels authentic and comfortable.

8. Closing Meditation: Each session concludes with a meditation designed to help participants return to a state of Self-energy, closing the class with a sense of calm, centeredness, and intention. This final meditation encourages reflection on the day’s insights, helping participants carry these discoveries with them as they navigate the following week.

Course Benefits and Goals

The Living a Self-Led Life course ultimately seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the self, empowering participants to cultivate compassion, curiosity, and calmness. By developing Self-leadership, individuals learn to relate to their parts with less reactivity and more empathy, leading to improved relationships with themselves and others. Additionally, participants gain practical tools that can be integrated into their daily lives, making it easier to navigate challenges with resilience and self-acceptance.

Through group support, psychoeducation, mindfulness, and creativity, the course offers a unique, holistic approach to self-growth. Participants leave not only with an enriched understanding of themselves but also with meaningful connections, practical skills, and an empowered sense of self-leadership that can guide them long after the course concludes. With a maximum of ten participants, the course is designed to provide an intimate, supportive setting, ensuring that each individual receives ample support and connection throughout the 12-week journey.

Course Dates

Ashbourne- Saturdays - 10 to 12pm

FULLY BOOKED

Session 1- 28th September 2024 (ORIENTATION DAY)
Session 2- 12th October
Session 3- 19th October
Session 4- 26th October
Session 5- 02nd November
Session 6- 09th November
Session 7- 16th November
Session 8- 23rd November
Session 9- 30th November
Session 10- 07th December
Session 11- 14th December
Session 12- 21st December