ABSTRACT
This chapter describes common issues and dilemmas in providing consultation for clinicians who are working with couples using Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO), the application of Internal Family Systems therapy to couple therapy. A brief overview of the theory and practice of IFIO is provided, together with a visual representation of an IFIO roadmap. Case examples support discussion of the role of the consultant in teaching methodology and in helping clinicians track and work with their own parts that inevitably get triggered in working with couples. The author draws attention to the limitations of self-reporting in consultation and suggests reviewing videotaped therapy sessions to get to know parts who may be getting in the way of following the model. The author also suggests the recording of consultation sessions in the service of skill development and increased Self-leadership of consultees both of which enhance the therapeutic relationship. The chapter also includes examples of how consultants frequently get triggered in this work and suggestions for returning to Self-leadership.
