The Fool in the Tower is a 4-week experiential journey through Internal Family Systems (IFS) and tarot, exploring the 8 Cs of Self-Energy through archetypes, parts work, contemplative practices, and community.
The Fool in
The Tower
In Internal Family Systems (IFS), we learn that we are made up of many different parts, each with its own history, fears, desires, and ways of protecting us. Beyond these parts is what IFS calls Self: an unchanging, compassionate presence that has the capacity to meet our parts with curiosity, care, and understanding.
But what does Self energy actually feel like?
Dr. Richard Schwartz describes eight qualities of Self Energy, called, “The 8 C’s of Self.”
In my work, I’ve found that the 8 C’s have shadows, too. And they can be just as helpful in piecing together our understanding of Self.
Sometimes the shadows of the Self are easier to identify. They can serve as access points in identifying when we are or aren’t operating from a place of Self-energy. This is critical on our journey of unpacking what is actually true for us as we travel along our own Fool’s Journey.
The 8 C’s and Their Shadows
Curiosity / Conformity
Courage / Caution
Compassion / Cruelty
Connectedness / Contrast
Calm / Chaos
Creativity / Certainty
Confidence / Criticalness
Clarity / Confusion
Why Tarot?
Tarot offers a language for exploring the complexity of being human. Long before the birth of IFS, tarot has been a tool for humans to slow down and listen to the voice of the Self. These two practices complement one another beautifully.
The Major Arcana are filled with archetypal characters, experiences, tensions, and transformations. They can act as mirrors, giving us images and stories through which we can encounter different expressions of Self.
We will explore the cards both “upright and reversed” in relationship to the 8 C’s and their shadows. The cards become valuable guides that lead to curiosity about the core of who we are and how we relate to life and one another. They allow us to encounter these different ways of being without requiring us to choose one and reject the other.
The Fool
In this workshop, the fool represents the part we choose to bring along with us on this journey.
It might be a part you've been working with for a long time. It might be a part you're just becoming curious about. It might be a part that keeps hijacking you, demanding to be heard, protecting you in ways that no longer seem to work, or carrying something you haven't quite known what to do with.
This part becomes your Fool.
You'll follow this part through the journey of the Major Arcana, encountering different expressions of the 8 Cs along the way.
The Tower
In The Fool in the Tower, The Tower represents the circumstances, experiences, beliefs, fears, and patterns that your part has been carrying.
It is the structure that once made sense, but may no longer feel true. It is the place your part has been living and maybe also the place it has been afraid to leave.
The Fool stands at the edge of The Tower and makes the choice to leap.
Workshop Information
-
The workshop will take place on the following Saturday’s from 11 am - 1 pm:
December 12 & December 19, 2026
January 9 and January 16, 2027
The workshop will be held at The Embodied Phyzio
105 Conner Dr. #1100
Chapel Hill, NC
(A special thank you to JJ for offering their space for us to be in practice together.)Group size will be approximately 6-8 people.
-
Each session combines reflection, experiential practice, and creative exploration. We'll use:
Guided meditations to connect with Self and the quality we're exploring
Tarot cards and archetypal imagery
Journaling and reflection prompts
Group conversation and shared interpretation
Check-ins with your Fool/part
Creative practices including movement, music, and art
What You'll Receive:
A participant workbook with card information, reflection prompts, and space for journaling throughout the journey.
Guided meditation recordings to use between sessions as you continue exploring Self-energy and your Fool.
A community of fellow travelers who are also bringing a part of themselves along for the journey.
My hope is that this journey helps a part of you find itself more at home and that Self becomes less of an abstract concept and more something you can recognize and feel in your own experience.
-
Workshop Investment
The Fool in the Tower
Four 2-hour sessions
Sustaining Rate
$110 per session
$440 total
Supports the sustainability of this offering.
Accessibility Rate
$75 per session
$300 total
For those who would benefit from a reduced rate.
Equity Rate
$50
per session
$200 total
For those who need a more substantially reduced rate.
Payment Options
You may pay the full workshop fee at registration, split your payment into two installments (half at registration and half after the second session), or arrange an alternative payment plan.
If another payment arrangement would make participation more accessible, please reach out. I'm happy to discuss options.
-
No previous Tarot knowledge is needed, nor is any previous experience with IFS or parts work required. All are welcome.
-
The Fool in the Tower is an educational and experiential workshop informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), tarot, and creative practices. Although I am a licensed psychotherapist and the workshop draws on therapeutic concepts, this is not a therapy group and does not provide psychotherapy or mental health treatment.
Our time together will focus on exploration, reflection, creativity, and shared learning. You are always welcome to participate at your own pace and you will never be required to share anything that feels uncomfortable. This workshop isn't intended to replace individual therapy or other mental health support.
-
I operate under principles of disability justice and aim to create a space that is accessible for all. All activities are invitations rather than requirements. You are welcome to engage through speaking, writing, drawing, movement, or simply listening and observing.
You are encouraged to take breaks, move around, use sensory supports, or participate in whatever way feels accessible to you.
If you have access needs or questions about the space, format, or activities, please reach out before registering so we can explore what might be helpful.
-
A journal or notebook.
A tarot deck (optional - I will bring decks you are welcome to use).
Comfortable clothing and anything that supports your sensory or physical needs, such as water or snacks.