Embodying Inner Parts Work: Applications for Trauma, Mood, and Chronic Pain with Dr. Debra Alvis April 10, 2026

Please note that this is a LIVE workshop, given online. This workshop is approved for 6 hours of continuing education by the OPQ ( RA - to be announced). Early registration rate ($185 + taxes for a total of 212.70$ ) ends March 17th, 2026.   Regular fee: 210 + taxes for a total of 241.45$ . Students receive a $60 discount on those prices.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
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April 3es, 2026.

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION

When describing inner conflicts, clients and patients often refer to parts of themselves. Inner parts work provides them with tools for resolving these conflicts. The metaphor of a high-functioning committee with the Self as chairperson describes successful inner parts work. The Self supports each committee member through helping them return to their most helpful role. Each inner part then contributes to the optimal functioning of the individual. Addressing inner conflicts through working with the inner parts offers an effective, awareness-based approach that can bring clarity and strengthen emotional regulation. Incorporating embodied approaches with inner parts work supports brain integration and deepens communication with younger inner parts. As cooperative relationships between the Self and the inner parts develop, symptomatology surrounding trauma, chronic pain, and an absence of joy diminish.

This workshop will offer a toolbox of hands-on embodiment strategies to build communication facilitating harmonious relationships among the inner parts and between the Self and the inner parts. This, combined with an understanding of Polyvagal Theory, will enable you to integrate this powerful modality with your current treatment approaches, adding to your therapeutic efficacy. During this experiential workshop, Dr.  Debra Alvis will present intervention practices, clinical scenarios, and videos to help you learn how to seamlessly combine contemplative and somatic approaches with parts work, and to apply strategies for calming the Self and the inner parts. This training will give you new tools and detailed handouts to help your clients and patients thrive.

Dr. Debra Prema Shakti Alvis, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and private practitioner with over thirty years of clinical experience in supporting clients’ recovery from trauma, mood, and relational concerns. She began working with parts of the self over three decades ago, training extensively in Jungian oriented psychotherapy and contemplative approaches. She applied movement, mindfulness, and the expressive arts to explore parts of the self. She deepened her understanding of inner parts through multiple Internal Family Systems trainings combining her embodied contemplative approach with IFS. She finds that this integrative approach strengthens the Self through facilitating the resolution of inner conflicts.
A seasoned international presenter and consultant, Dr. Alvis is also a therapeutic yoga educator. She retired as faculty from the University of Georgia where she developed and led the Mind/Body Program. The program included a clinician training program integrating mindfulness, yoga, and psychotherapy. A personal contemplative practice, research experience, and a deep understanding of Polyvagal Theory further enriches her presentations. She draws upon this unique background to provide effective, easily applicable skills designed for immediate integration into clinicians’ practices.