Email: contact@souliology.com
THE POWER OF THE SELF
Distinguishing Self-Energy from Self-like Parts
May 17-21, 2026
What does Self-leadership mean?
The IFS definition is that the Self is the natural leader of our system and when released can be in relationship with and lead our parts. Once the Self is released it can help parts unburden and create an internal structure where the Self is a resource for the parts and the parts are a resource for the Self. Both the Self and the parts have important roles in our system; we need both to thrive in the world.
Philosophically, that make sense; practically, what does it mean?
Does it mean that if my parts are unburdened and my Self is in the lead that I never feel anger, sadness, shame, worthlessness, etc.; that no matter what happens I stay open hearted and accept what comes; that nothing ever activates me?
While many of us believe this, it’s actually not accurate.
What to expect from a retreat about Self and Self-like Parts?
This retreat is designed to help you explore what Self-leadership means to you – the felt sense of it. So, you can answer those questions for yourself in a clearer more embodied way.
We’ll start by getting curious about the nature of the Self and how you experience it in your own system. As part of that deepening awareness we will explore parts that masquerade as the Self and sometimes even believe they are the Self.
This exploration into your Self-energy will also enhance your appreciation for your parts and deepen the internal relationship between your Self and your parts. Through this deepened relationship, you’ll gain clarity about how the Self is a resource for the parts and the parts are a resource for the Self.
Finally, we’ll explore the often forgotten quality of the Self – courage – and how to utilize that in support of Self-leadership.
23 IFS CE Credits are available for IFS Certification or Recertification.
PLEASE NOTE: This retreat is limited to 30 participants and is only open to IFS Level 1 trained therapists/practitioners.
A little more about Pam…..
Pamela Krause, LCSW, a Senior Lead Trainer of the Internal Family Systems, is known for her engaging and creative presentations, and lively, compassionate approach to therapy and teaching. In 2021 she stepped away from leading Level 1 trainings but continues to lead Level 2 & Level 3 trainings as well as co-leading advanced leadership training programs for future Lead Trainers for the IFS Institute.
Her expertise in IFS includes: using Direct Access, understanding the difference between Self-energy and Self-like parts, and adapting the IFS model for use in younger children.
Pam has developed several online training programs including: the IFS Online Circle which she developed with Toni Herbine-Blank; and an IFS Continuity Program addressing the use of IFS with Children and Adolescents.
Her publications include:
Gomez, Ana. EMDR Therapy and Adjunct Approaches with Children. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2013.
Sweezy, Martha and Ellen Ziskind, Internal Family Systems Therapy: New Dimensions. New York: Routledge, 2013.
Sweezy, Martha and Ellen Ziskind, Innovations and Elaborations in Internal Family Systems Therapy. New York: Routledge, 2017.
Redfern, Emma. Internal Family Systems Therapy: Supervision and Consultation. New York: Routledge, 2022.
The Retreat Location
Avon Old Farm Hotel is the perfect place for our 3-day retreat.
Nestled amidst 10 acres of breathtakingly manicured grounds on Connecticut’s scenic Talcott Mountain, Avon Old Farms Hotel is a haven of peace and timeless New England charm.
It provides a true escape from the everyday, with this boutique hotel perfectly blending warmth, elegance, and personalised hospitality with the comforts of a world-class stay.
Just a short drive from downtown Hartford, and a 30-minute Uber drive from Bradley International Airport, the hotel offers a serene sanctuary where nature and luxury harmonise.
Wander through picturesque gardens blooming with vibrant flowers, cross a charming wooden bridge over a gentle stream, or find a moment of quiet reflection in the garden gazebo.
The interiors exude classic sophistication, with beautifully appointed rooms and suites featuring four-poster beds, plush down featherbeds, and modern amenities to ensure a restful and rejuvenating stay.
Avon Old Farms Hotel creates the perfect space to relax, recharge, and fully engage in this retreat with Cece, allowing for deep connection, renewal, self-exploration, and personal growth.
What the participants from our previous retreats had to say.....
An incredible, heartwarming and growth experience. Pam's warmth and generous sharing of wisdom was a thrill to experience. Ciara and Souliology are fantastic and professional. I cannot fault this retreat. I have many wonderful memories to take home and knowledge/insight to integrate my work and personal IFS therapy. Very grateful. Well worth the expense and distance travelled.
This retreat didn’t just deepen my understanding of the Self—it brought it alive in my body. Pam guided us into subtle distinctions that I hadn’t fully grasped before, helping me recognize when I was in true Self and when parts were gently mimicking it. The experiential practices were powerful and accessible, and the group process was rich with insight, connection, and safety.
It was an excellent retreat and exceeded my expectation. Pam was so knowledgeable and warm and Ciara, you did such a great job tending all of the participants and logistics. Thank you!
Attending this retreat with Pam Krause was a very transformative experience for me. Pam’s facilitation is nothing short of masterful—she brings a depth of clarity, warmth, and presence that invites genuine curiosity and transformation.
I loved every bit of the retreat; the experience, the people, Pam's wisdom and Ciara's warmth and brilliant organisation
I really appreciated how Pam held space and boundaries with the group, explicitly set norms with our input, and invited feedback of group members.
Retreat particulars
Applications are currently open for this retreat in Avon, Connecticut from May 17th - 21st, 2026
Please be advised that this is not a formal training and is not intended as a formal training on how to guide this work for other people. This is strictly a retreat for your personal growth and well-being.
The retreat will take place over 5 days starting on Sunday, May 17th, 2026 and concluding on Thursday May 21st, 2026.
This retreat is limited to a maximum of 30 participants and participants need to have completed Level 1 IFS Training to be eligible to attend.
If you are interested in participating in this retreat, please register your interest. You will then be directed automatically to a registration form for completion. Only applicants who complete a full registration form will be considered for this retreat.
Once your registration is approved we will advise you formally and it is only at this point that we will request payment to reserve your place on this retreat. Please do not make travel arrangements until your registration has been formally accepted and we have confirmed in writing that we have reached the required numbers for this retreat to proceed.
Any travel costs to the retreat location in Avon, Connecticut, USA is the sole responsibility of the participant.
The Power of the Self Retreat Schedule.
5-Day Retreat Schedule – This is a broad outline of the schedule for the week but please note it is subject to change at the retreat leaders discretion.
Sunday, May 17th – Thursday May 21st, 2026
Sunday
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday
6pm
7pm - 9pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.15pm
3pm – 6pm
6.30pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12pm - 1pm
1pm - 3pm
3pm
Dinner
Retreat Commencement
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Retreat close
Please note there is bottomless tea/coffee available at reception with some wonderful freshly baked cookies available each afternoon.
Your Investment:
Total Retreat Cost: - $2,900 per participant (based on single room occupancy). The retreat cost includes the 5-day retreat itself with Pam Krause, 4 nights private ensuite accommodation and 3 delicious meals a day to include a full breakfast, a light lunch and a delicious evening meal.
Our retreat location can also cater to a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerant. You can indicate your preference on the registration form.
Payment Schedule:
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Payment 1: $500 (USA) non-refundable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: $1,000 (USD) per person due by the 14th November, 2025. (This amount will be refundable until February 19th, 2025 should you decide to cancel.
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Payment 3: The remaining balance depending on your room type must be paid by the 20th February, 2026.
Please note: There is no refund of fees over and above your non-refundable deposit for withdrawal for any reason after November 20th, 2025.
If you register your interest after the above payment deadlines, the above payment schedule may no longer apply and you may be required to pay for the retreat in full.
Partners/Companions: If you wish to attend the retreat with a companion and share accommodation, we offer a reduced fee for both attendees. The total cost for two people to attend the full retreat and share accommodation at the hotel is $5,500. Please choose Option 3 on the Registration Form.
Additionally, you are welcome to bring a companion who can stay at the hotel with you in shared accommodation, enjoy the set retreat meals but not attend the retreat itself. This option incurs a supplementary cost of $900. Please choose Option 2 on the registration form. Please ensure to indicate your preference during the registration process.
Please note:
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Any companion accompanying you must be an adult over 18 years of age.
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Children are not allowed to join you in shared accommodation during the retreat.
Possible additional charges -:
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An additional $100 (USD) per person late fee for payments received after 14th November, 2025 and 20th February 2026.
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An additional $50 (USD) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
23 IFS CE Credits are available for IFS Certification or Recertification.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information on Covid, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to Covid or in the unlikely event the retreat leader is not in a position to attend. The FAQS page also provides further general information which you may find useful when planning your trip. If after reading the FAQS page you have any further queries, please feel free to email us at contact@souliology.com.
