IFS History in Canada
Origins and Early Adoption in Canada
(2000s–2010s)
IFS was developed by Richard Schwartz in the U.S in the 1980s and the Center for Self Leadership (later renamed the IFS Institute) was founded in 2000 to provide trainings in the model. (IFS Institute)
A small handful of Canadian practitioners began attending trainings in the United States and bringing IFS into their work. An example is Sue MacRae, who began incorporating IFS into the Trauma Program at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto in 2017, a program that continues to this day.
Building a Canadian-based Learning Hub: IFSCA
(2010s–2020s)
A major catalyst in the growth of IFS in Canada was the work of Derek Scott (1962–2024). Derek began offering a Skills & Competencies course in 2017, which evolved into Stepping Stones during the pandemic. He created IFSCA (Internal Family Systems Counselling Association)* which continues to offer courses, workshops, and an IFS-informed therapist directory. Derek is widely credited with making IFS accessible through online videos, courses, community calls, and mentorship. (IFSCA)
IFS Community in Canada
(2018-Ongoing)
The IFS Ontario Network was created by graduates of Derek Scott’s courses, in a desire to remain connected and grow in community. From an original group of 20 it has grown to nearly 400 in 2026 and hosts a volunteer-run online directory. A similar BC listserv was created in 2022, and a nation-wide Canadian IFS Network was launched in 2025. IFSCA also continues to support community via its Facebook group for Stepping Stones grads and other community-based events.
IFS Institute Training Expands in Canada
(2020s)
In 2012, the IFS Institute (IFSI), which remains the official provider of Level 1 trainings and steward of the certification pathway, offered its first training in Canada in Guelph, Ontario.
In 2020, the next Canadian offering came with the first all-Canadian roster of participants. Since then IFSI has gradually increased the number of Level 1s for Canadians to its current level of 5-6 per year, plus additional Level 2s and 3s.
In 2022, the Institute also began supporting the development and promotion of Canadian trainers, with 6 currently active across Canada.
In 2025, IFSI collaborated with local organizations in Baawaating (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario) to host the first ever Indigenous-centred Level 1 training. (IFS Institute)
In parallel, Canadian-led education and consultation networks grew to support practitioners before/alongside Level 1 access and beyond it.
IFS Organizations Grow
(2020s–2025)
IFS Connect is a Canadian co-operative consultation hub of IFSI Trainers and Approved Clinical Consultants that formed in 2022 to support the growth of IFS professionals. They offer workshops, consultation, and opportunities for community connection.
In 2023, the Laurier Department for Continuing Education began offering a two-part series of IFS-informed courses.
Several group practices of IFS-informed clinicians continue to grow including Blueprint Counselling, The Play Clinic, Seahorse Counselling, and Nova Phoenix.
A National Gathering Milestone: IFSCCC
(2026)
A big “first” in the public record: IFS Canadian Community Conference (IFSCCC) will be hosting its first ever conference organized by and for Canadians on June 5-6, 2026 online, with plans for an in-person conference for 2027.
If you would like to learn more about the team that heard the calling to make this event happen, please check them out here.
*IFSCA was originally named IFS Canada, and changed its name in response to an IFS Institute request (then Centre for Self Leadership) for clarity that the organization is not an official national IFS organization.
If you would like to suggest additional historical context or edits, please contact info@ifsccc.ca.