Brought to you by the Virginia Mental Health Counselors Association
About the Event
This clinical presentation explores the intersection of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and spirituality in therapeutic practice. As clinicians increasingly seek integrative approaches that address the whole person, IFS offers a structured yet deeply compassionate method for working with clients’ inner systems. This presentation will highlight how the IFS model—centered on the concept of the Self as inherently wise and healing—naturally aligns with spiritual traditions and practices that emphasize inner connection, presence, and transformation.
Through a combination of didactic teaching, case examples, and optional experiential components, attendees will gain practical tools for incorporating spirituality into IFS-informed therapy without imposing belief systems, while maintaining clinical rigor and cultural sensitivity.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
Summarize the core principles of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.
Describe the concept of the Self in IFS and its parallels with spiritual constructs (e.g., Higher Self, soul, divine presence).
Identify ethical and culturally competent ways to integrate clients’ spiritual beliefs into IFS-informed therapy.
Apply at least two IFS-based interventions that invite spiritual exploration or connection in the therapy room.
Target Audience
Mental health professionals including therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers with interest or experience in IFS, integrative therapy, or spiritually-informed clinical work.
About the Presenters
Valerie G. Hadeed, LPC, CSAC, NBC-HWC, brings nearly 40 years of dedicated experience in the mental health field. As a licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and certified substance abuse counselor, she is committed to supporting individuals on their journeys toward healing and wellness. Valerie is also a nationally Board-certified health and wellness coach and a certified mindful meditation teacher, which reflects her holistic approach to mental health.
Currently, she is training as a Level One Internal Family Systems therapist, enhancing her skills to better serve her clients. In addition to her practice, Valerie provides individual supervision and consultation for fellow mental health professionals, fostering growth and collaboration within the field.
Valerie is the founder and owner of Break-Thru Counseling & Coaching, a private practice located in Fairfax, Virginia, where she creates a warm, safe and supportive environment for her clients.
Her passion for helping others extends beyond her professional life. Valerie has volunteered with ChildHelp and has served as a coach for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Northern Virginia, inspiring individuals to achieve their marathon goals.
Outside of her professional commitments, Valerie cherishes time spent with her two children. Whether running, skiing, or meditating outdoors, she embraces a balanced lifestyle that nourishes her mind, body, and spirit.
Kevin Clark is a Resident in Counseling and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, specializing in addiction, trauma, and family support. He is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practitioner with Level 2 training, offering both individual and group IFS therapy to help clients become more Self-led. Deeply passionate about the IFS model, Kevin has found it profoundly transformational in his own life and in the lives of his clients. He is the founder of Excelsior Healing LLC, guided by the belief that there are no hopeless cases. With 19 years of experience in the addiction recovery field, Kevin has witnessed countless miracles of change. He is also the author of The New Prophet, a father of three, a poet, and a skateboarder.