Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychologists and Therapists in Dee Why, NSW

Photo of Ozlem Arslan, Counsellor, PACFA
Ozlem Arslan
Counsellor, PACFA
Dee Why, NSW 2099
I use trauma-informed, integrative approaches including ACT, CBT, IFS, person-centred therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based techniques.
Life can change suddenly. A loss, separation, migration, health diagnosis, or unexpected transition can leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about who you are. My ideal client may appear strong but feel anxious, stuck in unhealthy coping patterns, or carrying grief and trauma, including AOD-related challenges. They need a safe, culturally sensitive space to process loss, regulate emotions, and rebuild identity, with the goal of healing, strengthening self-worth, and moving forward with clarity and resilience.
I use trauma-informed, integrative approaches including ACT, CBT, IFS, person-centred therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based techniques.
Life can change suddenly. A loss, separation, migration, health diagnosis, or unexpected transition can leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about who you are. My ideal client may appear strong but feel anxious, stuck in unhealthy coping patterns, or carrying grief and trauma, including AOD-related challenges. They need a safe, culturally sensitive space to process loss, regulate emotions, and rebuild identity, with the goal of healing, strengthening self-worth, and moving forward with clarity and resilience.
0420 831 217 View 0420 831 217
Photo of Kim Bulloch, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Kim Bulloch
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Dee Why, NSW 2099
Kim specialises in anxiety, depression, stress, parenting challenges, ADHD, ASD, and lifestyle wellness. With a holistic and evidence-based approach, Kim works with individuals and families to create tailored strategies for growth, resilience, and balance. Her approach is both empathetic and evidence-based, helping clients build resilience and well-being in a supportive environment. Kim is also a Board Approved Supervisor (AHPRA)
Kim specialises in anxiety, depression, stress, parenting challenges, ADHD, ASD, and lifestyle wellness. With a holistic and evidence-based approach, Kim works with individuals and families to create tailored strategies for growth, resilience, and balance. Her approach is both empathetic and evidence-based, helping clients build resilience and well-being in a supportive environment. Kim is also a Board Approved Supervisor (AHPRA)
(02) 8403 1029 View (02) 8403 1029
Photo of Anita Balas, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Anita Balas
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Dee Why, NSW 2099
Counselling, Coaching & Wellbeing – Supporting Individuals, Families & Groups & Organisations (EAP) ! As a fully qualified and registered Counsellor with over 10 years’ experience across counselling, wellbeing, fitness, and health settings, I support people navigating overwhelm, burnout, feeling stuck, anxiety, and life transitions, as well as those seeking greater clarity, balance, and connection in their lives. Taking the step to seek support can feel daunting. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, offering a safe and supportive space to explore your experiences at your own pace.
Counselling, Coaching & Wellbeing – Supporting Individuals, Families & Groups & Organisations (EAP) ! As a fully qualified and registered Counsellor with over 10 years’ experience across counselling, wellbeing, fitness, and health settings, I support people navigating overwhelm, burnout, feeling stuck, anxiety, and life transitions, as well as those seeking greater clarity, balance, and connection in their lives. Taking the step to seek support can feel daunting. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, offering a safe and supportive space to explore your experiences at your own pace.
(02) 8403 2244 View (02) 8403 2244
Photo of Daniela Cristofaro
Daniela Cristofaro
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dee Why, NSW 2099
Are you feeling unsure how to move forward? Maybe you're navigating relationship struggles or trying to make sense of your life? Most people come to therapy because they want something to change. But lasting transformation starts with understanding how things are right now. From a young age, our nervous systems adapt to help us navigate the world, creating automatic patterns of feeling and reacting. Whilst they once served us, they can become limiting over time, keeping us stuck in ways that no longer align with who we are or what we need. I am here to help you gently uncover and understand these ingrained patterns.
Are you feeling unsure how to move forward? Maybe you're navigating relationship struggles or trying to make sense of your life? Most people come to therapy because they want something to change. But lasting transformation starts with understanding how things are right now. From a young age, our nervous systems adapt to help us navigate the world, creating automatic patterns of feeling and reacting. Whilst they once served us, they can become limiting over time, keeping us stuck in ways that no longer align with who we are or what we need. I am here to help you gently uncover and understand these ingrained patterns.
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Photo of Tori McCarthy, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Tori McCarthy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Dee Why, NSW 2099
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.
(02) 8403 1332 View (02) 8403 1332
Photo of Tamara Buchanan - CounsellingCo, Counsellor
CounsellingCo
Counsellor
Serves Area
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.
(02) 8319 1091 View (02) 8319 1091
Photo of Matt White, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Matt White
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a registered psychologist in Crows Nest providing therapy for anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, anger, men’s mental health and life transitions. I offer practical, evidence-based therapy using CBT, ACT, DBT and schema-informed approaches. My style is collaborative and focused on helping you understand patterns, build resilience and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
I am a registered psychologist in Crows Nest providing therapy for anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, anger, men’s mental health and life transitions. I offer practical, evidence-based therapy using CBT, ACT, DBT and schema-informed approaches. My style is collaborative and focused on helping you understand patterns, build resilience and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
0485 974 816 View 0485 974 816
Photo of Chloe Anna Smith, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Chloe Anna Smith
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
Trauma-trained therapist with a BA (Hons) in Sociology & Social Psychology and Diploma in Counselling. Passionate about supporting clients through Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relational Challenges and Low Self Worth.
Trauma-trained therapist with a BA (Hons) in Sociology & Social Psychology and Diploma in Counselling. Passionate about supporting clients through Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relational Challenges and Low Self Worth.
(02) 8403 2080 View (02) 8403 2080
Photo of James Skinner - James Skinner - YouBeYou Therapy, Psychotherapist, PACFA
James Skinner - YouBeYou Therapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
9 Endorsed
Online Only
If you are facing relationship struggles like infidelity, lack of emotional connection, or communication issues email me now. I can support you to understand your behaviour, break unhealthy patterns, and create a better relationship for you and your partner.
If you are facing relationship struggles like infidelity, lack of emotional connection, or communication issues email me now. I can support you to understand your behaviour, break unhealthy patterns, and create a better relationship for you and your partner.
(02) 8403 2074 View (02) 8403 2074
Photo of Jodie Gale, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Jodie Gale
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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.
(02) 8294 7627 View (02) 8294 7627
Photo of Scout Smith-O'Leary - The Love Scout, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
The Love Scout
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Hey, I'm Scout, a relationship therapist. You're probably here because something in your relationship feels stuck, hard, uncomfortable, painful or alarming. You're seeking support, and I'm here to help. Whether it's communication issues, conflict, betrayal, infidelity, sex, trauma, separation, divorce, conflict, self-esteem, codependency, addiction, intimacy, attachment, ENM, family stuff or your relationship to yourself, I offer a down-to-earth therapeutic approach to help you develop awareness, gain clarity and leave with tools to feel more confident in how you navigate relationships moving forward.
Hey, I'm Scout, a relationship therapist. You're probably here because something in your relationship feels stuck, hard, uncomfortable, painful or alarming. You're seeking support, and I'm here to help. Whether it's communication issues, conflict, betrayal, infidelity, sex, trauma, separation, divorce, conflict, self-esteem, codependency, addiction, intimacy, attachment, ENM, family stuff or your relationship to yourself, I offer a down-to-earth therapeutic approach to help you develop awareness, gain clarity and leave with tools to feel more confident in how you navigate relationships moving forward.
0481 531 555 View 0481 531 555
Photo of Sascha Norman, Counsellor
Sascha Norman
Counsellor
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
If life feels overwhelming, full of stress, anxiety, trauma or uncertainty I want you to know that healing is possible with the right support. I’m Sascha, and I help adults and teens work through life's challenges with compassion and practical tools. It’s work I truly love. I help my clients feel clearer, more hopeful, and empowered to move forward. I use a holistic approach, combining talk therapy with optional kinesiology to help fast-track healing and release the tension you’ve been holding. Together, we can build greater confidence and resilience. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If life feels overwhelming, full of stress, anxiety, trauma or uncertainty I want you to know that healing is possible with the right support. I’m Sascha, and I help adults and teens work through life's challenges with compassion and practical tools. It’s work I truly love. I help my clients feel clearer, more hopeful, and empowered to move forward. I use a holistic approach, combining talk therapy with optional kinesiology to help fast-track healing and release the tension you’ve been holding. Together, we can build greater confidence and resilience. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
(02) 8403 1163 View (02) 8403 1163
Photo of Ilona Zaleska, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Ilona Zaleska
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I offer trauma-focused therapy that integrates EMDR and Internal Family Systems ( IFS) within a compassionate, trauma-informed framework.
Life can feel heavy when past trauma, anxiety, or shame keep you stuck in painful patterns. Therapeutically, I help the brain and body process overwhelming emotions, intrusive memories, and the impact of difficult relationships. My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and collaborative — creating a safe space where you feel understood and not judged. Together we work not only to ease symptoms but to reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and move towards a more meaningful life. I have a special interest in supporting those affected by childhood adversity, relational trauma, and the lasting imprints of abuse or neglect.
I offer trauma-focused therapy that integrates EMDR and Internal Family Systems ( IFS) within a compassionate, trauma-informed framework.
Life can feel heavy when past trauma, anxiety, or shame keep you stuck in painful patterns. Therapeutically, I help the brain and body process overwhelming emotions, intrusive memories, and the impact of difficult relationships. My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and collaborative — creating a safe space where you feel understood and not judged. Together we work not only to ease symptoms but to reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and move towards a more meaningful life. I have a special interest in supporting those affected by childhood adversity, relational trauma, and the lasting imprints of abuse or neglect.
(02) 8403 1513 View (02) 8403 1513
Photo of Julie Anne Preston - Julie Preston Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Julie Preston Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
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.
(02) 9909 6171 View (02) 9909 6171
Photo of Kylie McIntosh, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Kylie McIntosh
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
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.
(02) 8074 1570 View (02) 8074 1570
Photo of Alison Glass - Alison Glass - EMDR & Trauma Treatment, Psychologist, PsyBA General
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.
(02) 8806 0772 View (02) 8806 0772

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jessica Lorna Crowther - Wildflower Psychology and Assessments, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Wildflower Psychology and Assessments
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Jessica. I am a psychologist, a mother, neurodivergent, and a flower lover. I have been described as having a quiet confidence, calming vibe, and quirky persona. I aim to be authentic and unmasked in our interactions together so that you feel comfortable to be yourself. I am passionate about holding space for those who need it. My driving force is to be the psychologist who I would want to support my own loved ones. I believe each client is special, worthy of connection, and that their story deserves to be heard. My approach is never to fix. It is to support.
Hi, I’m Jessica. I am a psychologist, a mother, neurodivergent, and a flower lover. I have been described as having a quiet confidence, calming vibe, and quirky persona. I aim to be authentic and unmasked in our interactions together so that you feel comfortable to be yourself. I am passionate about holding space for those who need it. My driving force is to be the psychologist who I would want to support my own loved ones. I believe each client is special, worthy of connection, and that their story deserves to be heard. My approach is never to fix. It is to support.
0434 000 116 View 0434 000 116
Photo of Patrick Rory-John Hukins, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Patrick Rory-John Hukins
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Online Only
I approach therapy from a trauma-informed perspective, using narrative, gestalt and internal family systems therapy.
Hi, I’m Patrick Rory-John (they/them), a Psychotherapist and Counsellor with a deep commitment to supporting individuals through their unique journeys. My practice focuses on sexuality, gender, and relationship therapy. I work with individuals experiencing a wide variety of concerns from navigating complex relationships, sexuality, and gender affirming care, to coping with trauma, disability and mental health struggles. I am passionate about creating an environment where clients feel respected heard, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
I approach therapy from a trauma-informed perspective, using narrative, gestalt and internal family systems therapy.
Hi, I’m Patrick Rory-John (they/them), a Psychotherapist and Counsellor with a deep commitment to supporting individuals through their unique journeys. My practice focuses on sexuality, gender, and relationship therapy. I work with individuals experiencing a wide variety of concerns from navigating complex relationships, sexuality, and gender affirming care, to coping with trauma, disability and mental health struggles. I am passionate about creating an environment where clients feel respected heard, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
(02) 9100 0428 View (02) 9100 0428
Photo of Michelle Thomas - The Counselling Collective, Counsellor, PACFA
The Counselling Collective
Counsellor, PACFA
Epping, NSW 2121
Providing a safe place to share, discuss and work through those times where daily life feels difficult, coping with the day to day tasks becomes overwhelming, school, family, relationship issues become too much; bullying, peer pressure, friendship groups, sexting, screen time/gaming issues take over; questions around identity, transitions/transitioning through school, university, work has a sense of hopelessness and helplessness; family life family relationships, managing young children, teenagers, adolescents, young adults, and parenting in general simply becomes too much.
Providing a safe place to share, discuss and work through those times where daily life feels difficult, coping with the day to day tasks becomes overwhelming, school, family, relationship issues become too much; bullying, peer pressure, friendship groups, sexting, screen time/gaming issues take over; questions around identity, transitions/transitioning through school, university, work has a sense of hopelessness and helplessness; family life family relationships, managing young children, teenagers, adolescents, young adults, and parenting in general simply becomes too much.
(02) 7804 4067 View (02) 7804 4067
Photo of Tiffany Valente - Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS ClinPsy- Tiffany Valente , Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS ClinPsy- Tiffany Valente
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
I draw on EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems and somatic approaches to work with the parts of you that talking alone hasn't reached.
My work suits people who are self-aware, motivated, and ready to go beyond insight into genuine, lasting change. People who sense there is more to their inner life than they have yet been able to access. This isn't therapy that stays on the surface. It goes somewhere.
I draw on EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems and somatic approaches to work with the parts of you that talking alone hasn't reached.
My work suits people who are self-aware, motivated, and ready to go beyond insight into genuine, lasting change. People who sense there is more to their inner life than they have yet been able to access. This isn't therapy that stays on the surface. It goes somewhere.
(03) 7003 2560 View (03) 7003 2560
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.