Befriending the Dark

An IFS journey into the inner landscape of winter

Saturday 28 November 2026

10:30am-5:30pm
Beech Room, Carrow House, King Street, Norwich

This experiential workshop offers an immersive exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) within a small therapeutic group, and is facilitated by an experienced and certified IFS therapist, ecotherapist and group facilitator Sebastiana Black.

«A wonderful opportunity to identify and understand the parts of me, how they work individually and together, to value and appreciate them, and live with them harmoniously. Partnering with and experiencing nature as a metaphor for the internal ecology of ourselves was enlightening. The reflecting and learning has continued beyond the time spent in the workshop.» participant at IFS in Nature, 2026

“I felt heard and respected and had moments of deep connection with parts of myself I hadn’t met before and also time to laugh and experience joy” Participant, 2025

As the natural world turns towards darkness, we are invited to turn inward too.
We live in a culture that values light, certainty, activity and control, and darkness can stir fear of what we cannot see or know. Some of our Parts may respond by keeping busy, staying vigilant, distracting or seeking certainty.
Winter offers a different rhythm — stillness, dormancy and deep listening. Beneath the visible surface, roots continue to grow, seeds lie waiting, and much of life unfolds beyond our sight.
Through Internal Family Systems, we can gently turn towards our inner darkness with curiosity and compassion. Rather than rushing to fix or change what we find, we can slow down, listen and allow our Parts to be met. As the days darken and the festive season approaches, Parts that struggle with the slower pace, feel the weight of the world, become tired or isolated, long to belong, or fear difficult family encounters may become more present. Here, in the supportive relational field of the group, they can be heard, welcomed and held.
In this spaciousness, we may discover that there is more than pain or protection. Hidden within the darkness may be gifts waiting to be reclaimed — creativity, courage, vitality, playfulness or wisdom.
There is an ancient story, retold by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, of an owl who carries fire back to a family from whom it has been taken. The fire becomes an image of something precious that can be lost, carried through darkness, and brought back home. In our own inner worlds, we might wonder: what is the fire that lives within us? What has been hidden, forgotten or taken away — and what might be waiting to be reclaimed?

“I felt able to be in contact with a very young, tender Exile being attended to by my adult Self in a new way. Instead of the exile being a recurring, shameful legacy, my Self was able to show great love, understanding and reassurance. I also felt that both of us were being nurtured by a nature ally that you had encouraged us to trust would be present.”
Participant, 2025

The day will include:

• A short introduction to the Internal Family Systems model
• Establishing a courageous and safe space where all Parts are welcome
• IFS-informed and nature-based meditations
• A winter story and ritual to inspire the Soul
• Exploring Parts and our natural, true Self through writing, image-making, movement & sound, embodiment, poetry and nature connection, with short periods spent outdoors and shared reflection
• Inviting a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world and the season through the senses and imagination
• A mix of individual, pair and group work
• Gratitude practices and closing appreciations
• All practices are offered as invitations, with choice and self-pacing encouraged throughout.

Who is it for:

Everyone is welcome. No previous experience of IFS or ecotherapy is needed. A basic familiarity with IFS is helpful, and some introductory information and resources will be shared before the workshop. Workshop is suitable both for people who are new to IFS and Ecotherapy and those who want to deepen their understanding. It can be especially beneficial for those with interest in IFS and creative expression- practitioners, therapists, teachers and artists.

“IFS groups offer an opportunity for participants to see their Parts as universally natural and part of being human. They foster insight and offer the feeling of community and the collective, felt experience of Self-energy.” Chris Burris

What to bring:

• Clothing you are comfortable to be in, including a bit of movement
• Blanket for extra comfort
• Cushion to sit on. Chairs will be available too.
• Notebook and pen
• Bottle of water

Paper and pastels will be available for image making.
There will be teas and coffees available before the workshop starts to help you to settle in and throughout the day.

Spaces are limited. The group will be capped at 6 participants to support depth of connection, safety, and meaningful group process.

Early bird before 26 October 2026: £85
Thereafter £100 or pay it forward – choose this amount to support our work on the meadow and those on lower income.

Payment in instalments is possible.

Please fill in the details below and Sebastiana will get back to you with a booking form ASAP.