Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychologists and Therapists in Brookvale, NSW
Stepping Stones Therapy supports adults experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, family challenges, and major life transitions. Many clients come to us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward. We provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and begin a journey of self-discovery. Using trauma-informed, person-centred counselling and evidence-based approaches including ACT, DBT-informed skills, and Solution-Focused Therapy, we help clients build resilience, improve relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Stepping Stones Therapy supports adults experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, family challenges, and major life transitions. Many clients come to us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward. We provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and begin a journey of self-discovery. Using trauma-informed, person-centred counselling and evidence-based approaches including ACT, DBT-informed skills, and Solution-Focused Therapy, we help clients build resilience, improve relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I am a warm Counsellor who works with adults with a range of presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, body image, addiction as well as those facing work stress or burnout, life transition adjustments, family and relationship issues. I have particular interest in exploring how earlier experiences in childhood can affect current difficulties with emotion regulation, communication and boundaries, mood, motivation, self-esteem and relationships.
I am a warm Counsellor who works with adults with a range of presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, body image, addiction as well as those facing work stress or burnout, life transition adjustments, family and relationship issues. I have particular interest in exploring how earlier experiences in childhood can affect current difficulties with emotion regulation, communication and boundaries, mood, motivation, self-esteem and relationships.
I use techniques from CBT, DBT, ACT and schema therapy to help with thinking and beliefs; psychodynamic interpersonal therapy, narrative therapy and internal family systems to transform past experiences into empowerment, purpose and a redefined sense of self.
Hi, I’m Tamara Buchanan. I founded CounsellingCo as a person-centred, trauma-informed, evidence-based practice devoted to helping people with drug & alcohol issues, behavioural and social media addictions, executive stress, and mental health issues before they reach crisis point. I work with you to understand how early childhood, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, grief, and all experiences to date shape your emotions, beliefs, mood and behaviours. I will gently challenge and empower you to move forward. If you have tried everything but therapy, CounsellingCo is your first step to making a positive change.
I use techniques from CBT, DBT, ACT and schema therapy to help with thinking and beliefs; psychodynamic interpersonal therapy, narrative therapy and internal family systems to transform past experiences into empowerment, purpose and a redefined sense of self.
Hi, I’m Tamara Buchanan. I founded CounsellingCo as a person-centred, trauma-informed, evidence-based practice devoted to helping people with drug & alcohol issues, behavioural and social media addictions, executive stress, and mental health issues before they reach crisis point. I work with you to understand how early childhood, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, grief, and all experiences to date shape your emotions, beliefs, mood and behaviours. I will gently challenge and empower you to move forward. If you have tried everything but therapy, CounsellingCo is your first step to making a positive change.
Qualified and experienced Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor specialising in treatment for a broad range of people from adolescents to adults of all ages.- If you are struggling with Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Mood Disorders, ADHD) - Addictions (Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling, Sex, Gaming, Work and Eating Disorders) - Trauma (Childhood Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse) - Grief and Loss (Unresolved Grief and Empty Chair Work Therapy) - Co-Dependency in Relationships (Conflict, Boundaries and Communication Issues) then I have the skill set to help you overcome these challenges if you are willing to do the work.
Qualified and experienced Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor specialising in treatment for a broad range of people from adolescents to adults of all ages.- If you are struggling with Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Mood Disorders, ADHD) - Addictions (Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling, Sex, Gaming, Work and Eating Disorders) - Trauma (Childhood Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse) - Grief and Loss (Unresolved Grief and Empty Chair Work Therapy) - Co-Dependency in Relationships (Conflict, Boundaries and Communication Issues) then I have the skill set to help you overcome these challenges if you are willing to do the work.
As your counsellor, I work with you to meet the challenges in your life as you experience them. In a safe, caring space you are free to express your feelings, be heard and understood: where you can honestly explore your concerns. Together, we can clarify what kind of life you want to live, recognise your strengths and resources, discover your options, increase your self-awareness, and develop strategies to help you live your life the way you choose. My background in the performing arts has given me an appreciation of the incredible diversity in perspectives and choices we make as individuals, and to truly value the human spirit.
As your counsellor, I work with you to meet the challenges in your life as you experience them. In a safe, caring space you are free to express your feelings, be heard and understood: where you can honestly explore your concerns. Together, we can clarify what kind of life you want to live, recognise your strengths and resources, discover your options, increase your self-awareness, and develop strategies to help you live your life the way you choose. My background in the performing arts has given me an appreciation of the incredible diversity in perspectives and choices we make as individuals, and to truly value the human spirit.
I have an approach to treating addiction and trauma through the lens of attachment, utilising inner child work and internal family systems in my therapeutic style.
I have extensive experience working in the field of Addiction and Trauma and believe whole heartedly that recovery is possible. I am a creative therapist who works intuitively and experimentally. I believe in treating the underlying causes not just the symptoms. I have held various senior clinical roles and continue to work as a Senior therapist at South Pacific Private where I run the sex and love addiction intensive programs. Working with Addiction and intimacy related disorders is an area I am passionate about as I love witnessing the profound change that can occur when we get vulnerable, trust and become our authentic selves.
I have an approach to treating addiction and trauma through the lens of attachment, utilising inner child work and internal family systems in my therapeutic style.
I have extensive experience working in the field of Addiction and Trauma and believe whole heartedly that recovery is possible. I am a creative therapist who works intuitively and experimentally. I believe in treating the underlying causes not just the symptoms. I have held various senior clinical roles and continue to work as a Senior therapist at South Pacific Private where I run the sex and love addiction intensive programs. Working with Addiction and intimacy related disorders is an area I am passionate about as I love witnessing the profound change that can occur when we get vulnerable, trust and become our authentic selves.
I hold an empathic and safe space for you to make sense of transitional life stages including young adulthood, parenthood, retirement, separation and grief. These rites of passage can feel overwhelming, exhausting, burdensome and uncertain. It can be a lonely time, but it does not have to be. Sessions with me are a time to pause, connect and unpack what you are carrying through the lens of an intergenerational, developmental, attachment-theory, trauma informed and interpersonal neurobiological process. I work in depth and relationally with clients who want to experience impactful and meaningful connection, support and healing.
I hold an empathic and safe space for you to make sense of transitional life stages including young adulthood, parenthood, retirement, separation and grief. These rites of passage can feel overwhelming, exhausting, burdensome and uncertain. It can be a lonely time, but it does not have to be. Sessions with me are a time to pause, connect and unpack what you are carrying through the lens of an intergenerational, developmental, attachment-theory, trauma informed and interpersonal neurobiological process. I work in depth and relationally with clients who want to experience impactful and meaningful connection, support and healing.
As a therapist I aim to help clients learn how to honour and understand their resistance and difficulty with life challenges as an outdated coping mechanism which originally was formed to serve as a self-preservation and adaptive function. In facilitating a pathway for change by walking alongside my client creating a safe and supportive environment towards self-awareness and the discovery that you are the expert in your life. My practice is trauma informed with a humanistic person centred approach. I will meet you with compassion , curiosity and connection, working towards your future goals, innate healing, health and happiness.
As a therapist I aim to help clients learn how to honour and understand their resistance and difficulty with life challenges as an outdated coping mechanism which originally was formed to serve as a self-preservation and adaptive function. In facilitating a pathway for change by walking alongside my client creating a safe and supportive environment towards self-awareness and the discovery that you are the expert in your life. My practice is trauma informed with a humanistic person centred approach. I will meet you with compassion , curiosity and connection, working towards your future goals, innate healing, health and happiness.
Julie is an experienced Registered Psychologist with a strong background in substance and process addictions, PTSD and developmental trauma, relationships issues, mood disorders and eating disorders. Julie’s empathic and wholehearted approach creates an environment for clients to feel safe to be able to be vulnerable and explore underlying issues to their presenting problems. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and has been a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Julie also received training from The Institute for the Psychology of Eating and is a qualified Eating Psychology Coach.
Julie is an experienced Registered Psychologist with a strong background in substance and process addictions, PTSD and developmental trauma, relationships issues, mood disorders and eating disorders. Julie’s empathic and wholehearted approach creates an environment for clients to feel safe to be able to be vulnerable and explore underlying issues to their presenting problems. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and has been a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Julie also received training from The Institute for the Psychology of Eating and is a qualified Eating Psychology Coach.
You are infinitely more than your mind, so welcome to healing beyond words. As a Somatic Psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I apply a body-oriented approach to growth and change. We meet your intuitive knowing and deep curiosity by actively tapping into the connection between mind and body to ease suffering, renegotiate trauma and build resilience. Through safe therapeutic relationship, loving presence, and gentle guidance, together we re-pattern unhelpful imprints through experiences in the present. When we invite all of ourselves to show up and heal in a safe space, our strength and capacity for joy expand.
You are infinitely more than your mind, so welcome to healing beyond words. As a Somatic Psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I apply a body-oriented approach to growth and change. We meet your intuitive knowing and deep curiosity by actively tapping into the connection between mind and body to ease suffering, renegotiate trauma and build resilience. Through safe therapeutic relationship, loving presence, and gentle guidance, together we re-pattern unhelpful imprints through experiences in the present. When we invite all of ourselves to show up and heal in a safe space, our strength and capacity for joy expand.
The therapy journey can help us understand and address distress in our lives through understanding how the past has stayed alive in our current experience. It is no longer about what happened, it is how it lives on in parts of ourselves.. "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it" (Brene Brown). I offer a safe therapeutic environment for you to navigate and resolve the concerns and difficulties you face with gentle curiosity and mindfulness, and will support you in building self-compassion, understanding and connection, strength, self-esteem and a sense of empowerment.
The therapy journey can help us understand and address distress in our lives through understanding how the past has stayed alive in our current experience. It is no longer about what happened, it is how it lives on in parts of ourselves.. "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it" (Brene Brown). I offer a safe therapeutic environment for you to navigate and resolve the concerns and difficulties you face with gentle curiosity and mindfulness, and will support you in building self-compassion, understanding and connection, strength, self-esteem and a sense of empowerment.
You may look like you’re coping, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not good enough. You might turn to food for comfort, control, or relief, then feel shame, guilt, or self-criticism afterwards. Many of the women I work with carry the impact of early trauma, emotional neglect, or difficult mother–daughter relationships that continue to shape how they feel about themselves. Some feel stuck in patterns they don’t understand, while others are quietly asking, “who am I, really?” and longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with themselves, their body, and their inner world.
You may look like you’re coping, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not good enough. You might turn to food for comfort, control, or relief, then feel shame, guilt, or self-criticism afterwards. Many of the women I work with carry the impact of early trauma, emotional neglect, or difficult mother–daughter relationships that continue to shape how they feel about themselves. Some feel stuck in patterns they don’t understand, while others are quietly asking, “who am I, really?” and longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with themselves, their body, and their inner world.
Alison Glass - EMDR & Trauma Treatment
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Alison uses an integrative approach to enable her to tailor therapy to the individual client’s needs, she uses Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to create emotional stability before addressing the underlying causes of instability with EMDR, IFS and EGO state therapies.
Alison is passionate about the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, addictions and eating disorders with a particular interest and training in treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Alison uses an integrative approach to enable her to tailor therapy to the individual client’s needs, integrating EMDR with other therapies. She is experienced in working with older adolescents and adults presenting with eating disorders, mood, anxiety disorders, grief and phobias.
Alison uses an integrative approach to enable her to tailor therapy to the individual client’s needs, she uses Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to create emotional stability before addressing the underlying causes of instability with EMDR, IFS and EGO state therapies.
Alison is passionate about the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, addictions and eating disorders with a particular interest and training in treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Alison uses an integrative approach to enable her to tailor therapy to the individual client’s needs, integrating EMDR with other therapies. She is experienced in working with older adolescents and adults presenting with eating disorders, mood, anxiety disorders, grief and phobias.
More Therapists Nearby
I'm Anna, I have Clinical membership with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). I am a “BUPA recognised provider” "Medibank" and an "ahm-approved" Therapist.
I work with all people and provide a safe non-judgemental space for to explore whats going on for you. !
I have worked at Headspace and have been working at Child Development Solutions and Sydney Psychology Centre for years where I facilitate social skills groups for children and young people diagnosed somewhere on the Autism Spectrum and/or ADHD.
I'm Anna, I have Clinical membership with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). I am a “BUPA recognised provider” "Medibank" and an "ahm-approved" Therapist.
I work with all people and provide a safe non-judgemental space for to explore whats going on for you. !
I have worked at Headspace and have been working at Child Development Solutions and Sydney Psychology Centre for years where I facilitate social skills groups for children and young people diagnosed somewhere on the Autism Spectrum and/or ADHD.
At Mickeli Therapy, I work alongside individuals and couples to gently make sense of their experiences, untangle relational patterns, and create space for meaningful healing and growth.
At Mickeli Therapy, I work alongside individuals and couples to gently make sense of their experiences, untangle relational patterns, and create space for meaningful healing and growth.
Most of my clients have tried to explain themselves to someone before (a friend, a previous therapist, a partner) and walked away feeling misunderstood.
I work with LGBTQA+ folks, people in kink and ethically non-monogamous relationships, and survivors of sexual, domestic and family violence; as well as anyone who's navigating identity, relationships, or just a quiet feeling that something needs to shift.
Most of my clients have tried to explain themselves to someone before (a friend, a previous therapist, a partner) and walked away feeling misunderstood.
I work with LGBTQA+ folks, people in kink and ethically non-monogamous relationships, and survivors of sexual, domestic and family violence; as well as anyone who's navigating identity, relationships, or just a quiet feeling that something needs to shift.
I am an experienced therapist and clinical supervisor who specialises in working with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space in which to explore the challenges that have brought you to counselling. Together, we will work to understand your experiences, build practical tools for coping, and help you to move forward.
I am an experienced therapist and clinical supervisor who specialises in working with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space in which to explore the challenges that have brought you to counselling. Together, we will work to understand your experiences, build practical tools for coping, and help you to move forward.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist and academic researcher specialising in sleep. I work with adults experiencing insomnia, circadian rhythm disruptions, nightmares, parasomnias, and sleep‑related anxiety, using evidence‑based treatments including CBT for insomnia. I also support people with anxiety, depression, post‑traumatic stress, and challenges such as perfectionism and emotional regulation. My approach is empathic and collaborative, focusing on understanding what’s contributing to your difficulties and supporting meaningful change.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist and academic researcher specialising in sleep. I work with adults experiencing insomnia, circadian rhythm disruptions, nightmares, parasomnias, and sleep‑related anxiety, using evidence‑based treatments including CBT for insomnia. I also support people with anxiety, depression, post‑traumatic stress, and challenges such as perfectionism and emotional regulation. My approach is empathic and collaborative, focusing on understanding what’s contributing to your difficulties and supporting meaningful change.
I'm a person-centred, somatically informed therapist working in this field for the past 8 years. You might be a good fit with me if you're curious about understanding yourself and what’s really going on around you — but find that it's complex, overwhelming, or anxiety-inducing to try. I worked extensively with complex PTSD, DV, attachment issues, parenting, depression, separation, addiction, and more. Though sometimes it can feel like things can't possibly change, I find my clients picking up pieces of themselves along the way, and so when things fall apart again, we both know that none of them were ever truly lost.
I'm a person-centred, somatically informed therapist working in this field for the past 8 years. You might be a good fit with me if you're curious about understanding yourself and what’s really going on around you — but find that it's complex, overwhelming, or anxiety-inducing to try. I worked extensively with complex PTSD, DV, attachment issues, parenting, depression, separation, addiction, and more. Though sometimes it can feel like things can't possibly change, I find my clients picking up pieces of themselves along the way, and so when things fall apart again, we both know that none of them were ever truly lost.
Dr Amanda heads up the multi-award winning practice Mindworx Psychology. Passionate about all things mental health, she has a special interest in anxiety, neurodiversity and trauma. Dr Amanda has experience in a broad range of therapies including EMDR, ego states, ACT, CBT and solution focused approaches. The practice accepts clients from age 4 upwards, working with children, teens and adults, with a range of services you can access such as face to face or telehealth sessions, workshops, groups and online courses. Ready for change? We are ready to help.
Dr Amanda heads up the multi-award winning practice Mindworx Psychology. Passionate about all things mental health, she has a special interest in anxiety, neurodiversity and trauma. Dr Amanda has experience in a broad range of therapies including EMDR, ego states, ACT, CBT and solution focused approaches. The practice accepts clients from age 4 upwards, working with children, teens and adults, with a range of services you can access such as face to face or telehealth sessions, workshops, groups and online courses. Ready for change? We are ready to help.
See more therapy options for Brookvale
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Brookvale
- Balgowlah
- Dee Why
- Frenchs Forest
- Freshwater
- Manly
- Mona Vale
- Narrabeen
- Queenscliff
- Roseville
- Saint Ives
- Warriewood
- Willoughby
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists
What is Internal Family Systems therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on sub-personalities, or “families,” within a person, which may be made up of wounded parts and unpleasant emotions like anger and shame. These sub-personalities can come into conflict with each other and with an individual’s core Self, leaving the person feeling detached from positive traits such as the “8 C’s” of confidence, calmness, creativity, clarity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and connectedness. By healing a patient’s wounded parts, a therapist aims to restore balance and bring on positive change.
How does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
An IFS therapist will work with a patient to identify their particular sub-personalities, recognize the emotions powering them, and release them. By doing so, the patient should become more able to address any underlying problems their sub-personalities may have been trying to protect them from. Ultimately, a patient discovers ways to manage internal and external conflicts on their own, through techniques such as relaxation exercises, journaling, and making charts depicting the relationships between their core Self and their distinct parts.
Does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
IFS therapy has been shown to help people address conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, fears and phobias, trauma, and substance use disorders. Some research has also found that it can help individuals deal with symptoms of physical health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, everyday functioning, depressive feelings, and low self-compassion. There are some conditions for which IFS treatment, specifically discussions of one’s “parts,” may be less appropriate, such as schizophrenia or other states that involve psychosis or paranoia.
How long does Internal Family Systems therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for IFS therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core concepts of IFS, some patients quickly make progress. While experiences vary, most will find that it is a relatively longer-term therapy, involving months and sometimes years of sessions.