inner sanctuary level 1
IFS Clergy Training
The Inner Sanctuary IFS Level 1 Training is more than just a foundational course; it’s a deeply impactful learning experience that immerses you in the practice of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in the context of your faith. This training is designed to support you in truly understanding and embodying the IFS model in your ministry, spiritual practice, and pastoral care.
Over approximately 120 hours of intensive training, you'll be guided by a select group of experienced IFS informed Clergy trainers. The program is structured so that there is plenty of time for supported small practice groups, with a participant-to-staff ratio of 3:1. This setup allows you to practice IFS in both minister and congregant roles within small breakout groups, providing you with the opportunity to hone your skills in a safe, supportive environment.
IFS Clergy Training
what to expect
Format
Join a cohort experience with online live participation and in-person learning (with an optional in-person additional experience).
Schedule
unit 1: online
November 9-13, 2026: 9a-5p CST
unit 2: in-person
January 11-15, 2027: 9a-5p CST
optional: in-person
January 9-10, 2027:
- Tulsa Race Massacre Experience:
- Museum Entrance
- Private Greenwood Walking Tour
- The Practice @ House Church Tulsa
unit 3: online
February 8-12, 2027: 9a-5p CST
Hours
120 total hours
Eligibility
Spiritual Leaders working in relationship with an organization (church, synagogue, mosque, chaplaincy setting). This training is designed for practicing clergy. Other trainings for ministers in formation will be available later in 2027.
Tuition
$3,990 + lodging
- Hospitality housing available
Application Process
Accepting applications on a rolling basis until filled. Limited spaces available. Complete application from link below. Thank you!
apply now ↗
Lead trainers
Margaret Conley, LCSW, MDiv
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Internal Family Systems practitioner specializing in trauma-informed spiritual care and the intersection of mental health and spiritual formation. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and brings more than twenty years of experience across parish ministry, prison, hospital, and social justice chaplaincy. Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
Margaret produced an evidence-based model which is a clinically aligned theological method designed for use by clergy, academics, and clinicians to help lead the conversation around Faith-Based Trauma in individual and community settings. She is the founder of Healthy and Holy® Conversations and the producer of the Healthy & Holy® Summit.
Margaret received her Bachelor of Art focused on Sociology and Anthropology with a concentration in child welfare services from Valdosta State University. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Clark Atlanta University in 2009. Margaret completed her Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in 2013.
Jory Agate, LMHC, MDiv, MA
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Internal Family Systems practitioner specializing in trauma-informed spiritual care and the intersection of mental health and spiritual formation. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and brings more than twenty years of experience across parish ministry, prison, hospital, and social justice chaplaincy. Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
Jory has been a student of IFS for over 10 years and has logged thousands of hours with a wide variety of patient populations. As an assistant trainer for the Center for Self Leadership (CSL), the IFS organization founded by IFS creator Richard Schwartz, PhD, Jory presents IFS workshops around the country and abroad. She maintains a long affiliation with CSL and their passion to educate mental health professionals worldwide.
She has successfully used IFS principles in a variety of cases and understands the real-world application of this effective treatment modality. As a speaker, Jory offers a unique blend of technical understanding of theory and clinical expertise, providing learners with comprehensive knowledge of the IFS approach.
Her private practice is located Cambridge, MA where she specializes in working with trauma, attachment, families, couples, sexuality and identity, and parenting. She received her counseling degree from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. Previously, she had a 20-year career in Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Rev. Dr. Celeste Lebak
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Internal Family Systems practitioner specializing in trauma-informed spiritual care and the intersection of mental health and spiritual formation. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and brings more than twenty years of experience across parish ministry, prison, hospital, and social justice chaplaincy. Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
other paths
ifs-informed church
The Practice
Here, faith and psychology are companions in the same work. Together they help us remember what we already carry and create a space where community healing and personal transformation rise side by side.
Join +
ifs-informed
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
A practical way to merge spiritual practice with spiritual counseling so leaders can meet the real needs of their congregations. It provides a clear, compassionate model for spiritual care rooted in the Inner Sanctuary Model.
learn +
Want to start this practice in your own church?
Contact Celeste to learn how to implement the Inner Sanctuary model in your own community.
contact celeste ↗
inner sanctuary level 1
IFS Clergy Training
The Inner Sanctuary IFS Level 1 Training is more than just a foundational course; it’s a deeply impactful learning experience that immerses you in the practice of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in the context of your faith. This training is designed to support you in truly understanding and embodying the IFS model in your ministry, spiritual practice, and pastoral care.
Over approximately 120 hours of intensive training, you'll be guided by a select group of experienced IFS informed Clergy trainers. The program is structured so that there is plenty of time for supported small practice groups, with a participant-to-staff ratio of 3:1. This setup allows you to practice IFS in both minister and congregant roles within small breakout groups, providing you with the opportunity to hone your skills in a safe, supportive environment.
IFS Clergy Training
what to expect
Format
Join a cohort experience with online live participation and in-person learning (with an optional in-person additional experience).
Schedule
unit 1: online
November 9-13, 2026: 9a-5p CST
unit 2: in-person
January 11-15, 2027: 9a-5p CST
optional: in-person
January 9-10, 2027:
- Tulsa Race Massacre Experience:
- Museum Entrance
- Private Greenwood Walking Tour
- The Practice @ House Church Tulsa
unit 3: online
February 8-12, 2027: 9a-5p CST
Hours
120 total hours
Eligibility
Spiritual Leaders working in relationship with an organization (church, synagogue, mosque, chaplaincy setting). This training is designed for practicing clergy. Other trainings for ministers in formation will be available later in 2027.
Tuition
$3,990 + lodging
- Hospitality housing available
Application Process
Accepting applications on a rolling basis until filled. Limited spaces available. Complete application from link below. Thank you!
apply now ↗
Lead trainers
Margaret Conley, LCSW, MDiv
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Internal Family Systems practitioner specializing in trauma-informed spiritual care and the intersection of mental health and spiritual formation. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and brings more than twenty years of experience across parish ministry, prison, hospital, and social justice chaplaincy. Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
Margaret produced an evidence-based model which is a clinically aligned theological method designed for use by clergy, academics, and clinicians to help lead the conversation around Faith-Based Trauma in individual and community settings. She is the founder of Healthy and Holy® Conversations and the producer of the Healthy & Holy® Summit.
Margaret received her Bachelor of Art focused on Sociology and Anthropology with a concentration in child welfare services from Valdosta State University. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Clark Atlanta University in 2009. Margaret completed her Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in 2013.
Jory Agate, LMHC, MDiv, MA
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Internal Family Systems practitioner specializing in trauma-informed spiritual care and the intersection of mental health and spiritual formation. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and brings more than twenty years of experience across parish ministry, prison, hospital, and social justice chaplaincy. Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
Jory has been a student of IFS for over 10 years and has logged thousands of hours with a wide variety of patient populations. As an assistant trainer for the Center for Self Leadership (CSL), the IFS organization founded by IFS creator Richard Schwartz, PhD, Jory presents IFS workshops around the country and abroad. She maintains a long affiliation with CSL and their passion to educate mental health professionals worldwide.
She has successfully used IFS principles in a variety of cases and understands the real-world application of this effective treatment modality. As a speaker, Jory offers a unique blend of technical understanding of theory and clinical expertise, providing learners with comprehensive knowledge of the IFS approach.
Her private practice is located Cambridge, MA where she specializes in working with trauma, attachment, families, couples, sexuality and identity, and parenting. She received her counseling degree from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. Previously, she had a 20-year career in Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Rev. Dr. Celeste Lebak
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Internal Family Systems practitioner specializing in trauma-informed spiritual care and the intersection of mental health and spiritual formation. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and brings more than twenty years of experience across parish ministry, prison, hospital, and social justice chaplaincy. Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
Services
Contact →
other paths
ifs-informed church
The Practice
Here, faith and psychology are companions in the same work. Together they help us remember what we already carry and create a space where community healing and personal transformation rise side by side.
Join +
ifs-informed
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
A practical way to merge spiritual practice with spiritual counseling so leaders can meet the real needs of their congregations. It provides a clear, compassionate model for spiritual care rooted in the Inner Sanctuary Model.
learn +
Want to start this practice in your own church?
Contact Celeste to learn how to implement the Inner Sanctuary model in your own community.
contact celeste ↗
inner sanctuary level 1
IFS Clergy Training
The Inner Sanctuary IFS Level 1 Training is more than just a foundational course; it’s a deeply impactful learning experience that immerses you in the practice of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in the context of your faith. This training is designed to support you in truly understanding and embodying the IFS model in your ministry, spiritual practice, and pastoral care.
Over approximately 120 hours of intensive training, you'll be guided by a select group of experienced IFS informed Clergy trainers. The program is structured so that there is plenty of time for supported small practice groups, with a participant-to-staff ratio of 3:1. This setup allows you to practice IFS in both minister and congregant roles within small breakout groups, providing you with the opportunity to hone your skills in a safe, supportive environment.
IFS Clergy Training
what to expect
Format
Join a cohort experience with online live participation and in-person learning (with an optional in-person additional experience).
Schedule
unit 1: online
November 9-13, 2026: 9a-5p CST
unit 2: in-person
January 11-15, 2027: 9a-5p CST
optional: in-person
January 9-10, 2027:
- Tulsa Race Massacre Experience:
- Museum Entrance
- Private Greenwood Walking Tour
- The Practice @ House Church Tulsa
unit 3: online
February 8-12, 2027: 9a-5p CST
Hours
120 total hours
Eligibility
Spiritual Leaders working in relationship with an organization (church, synagogue, mosque, chaplaincy setting). This training is designed for practicing clergy. Other trainings for ministers in formation will be available later in 2027.
Tuition
$3,990 + lodging
- Hospitality housing available
Application Process
Accepting applications on a rolling basis until filled. Limited spaces available. Complete application from link below. Thank you!
apply now ↗
Lead trainers
Margaret Conley, LCSW, MDiv
Margaret L. Conley, LCSW, MDiv, (She/Her/Hers), is the Executive Director of MLC Consulting, LLC, and the President of Mending Life Concepts Empowerment Group, Inc. She is a Licensed Clinical Social worker in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee where she provides crisis services and trauma-focused clinical therapy. Margaret is trained as a trauma therapist in Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, EMDR, and Adlerian Play Therapy. Margaret is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator and LEGO® Serious Play® Facilitator. Margaret is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor endorsed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Margaret produced an evidence-based model which is a clinically aligned theological method designed for use by clergy, academics, and clinicians to help lead the conversation around Faith-Based Trauma in individual and community settings. She is the founder of Healthy and Holy® Conversations and the producer of the Healthy & Holy® Summit.
Margaret received her Bachelor of Art focused on Sociology and Anthropology with a concentration in child welfare services from Valdosta State University. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Clark Atlanta University in 2009. Margaret completed her Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in 2013.
Jory Agate, LMHC, MDiv, MA
Jory Agate, LMHC, MDiv, MA, is both a certified IFS therapist and IFS assistant trainer.
Jory has been a student of IFS for over 10 years and has logged thousands of hours with a wide variety of patient populations. As an assistant trainer for the Center for Self Leadership (CSL), the IFS organization founded by IFS creator Richard Schwartz, PhD, Jory presents IFS workshops around the country and abroad. She maintains a long affiliation with CSL and their passion to educate mental health professionals worldwide.
She has successfully used IFS principles in a variety of cases and understands the real-world application of this effective treatment modality. As a speaker, Jory offers a unique blend of technical understanding of theory and clinical expertise, providing learners with comprehensive knowledge of the IFS approach.
Her private practice is located Cambridge, MA where she specializes in working with trauma, attachment, families, couples, sexuality and identity, and parenting. She received her counseling degree from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. Previously, she had a 20-year career in Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Rev. Dr. Celeste Lebak
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and Internal Family Systems practitioner specializing in trauma-informed spiritual care and the intersection of mental health and spiritual formation. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and brings more than twenty years of experience across parish ministry, prison, hospital, and social justice chaplaincy.
Dr. Lebak is the founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma and the Inner Sanctuary Institute, where she develops IFS-informed education for clergy, chaplains, and religious organizations. Her work integrates contemplative practice, systems awareness, and attention to internal multiplicity, with a focus on religious leaders who can offer grounded, ethically attuned presence within complex institutional settings.
other paths
ifs-informed church
The Practice
Here, faith and psychology are companions in the same work. Together they help us remember what we already carry and create a space where community healing and personal transformation rise side by side.
Join +
ifs-informed
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
A practical way to merge spiritual practice with spiritual counseling so leaders can meet the real needs of their congregations. It provides a clear, compassionate model for spiritual care rooted in the Inner Sanctuary Model.
learn +
Want to start this practice in your own church?
Contact Celeste to learn how to implement the Inner Sanctuary model in your own community.
contact celeste ↗