Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychologists and Therapists in Frenchs Forest, NSW
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.
Do you constantly doubt yourself and your choices? Is it stressful for you to make decisions and commit to them? Does decision-making make you feel anxious?
I specialise in guiding clients reconnect with their sense of self-trust, so they can get clear on what feels true for them and be confident in their life decisions.
The themes that usually come up for my clients are:
- Self-doubt and self-trust
- Identity, meaning, purpose: “who am I” and “what am I here to do”
- Life transitions: quarter/mid-life crisis, shifting from studying to working, career change
Do you constantly doubt yourself and your choices? Is it stressful for you to make decisions and commit to them? Does decision-making make you feel anxious?
I specialise in guiding clients reconnect with their sense of self-trust, so they can get clear on what feels true for them and be confident in their life decisions.
The themes that usually come up for my clients are:
- Self-doubt and self-trust
- Identity, meaning, purpose: “who am I” and “what am I here to do”
- Life transitions: quarter/mid-life crisis, shifting from studying to working, career change
Are you or your child looking for a new way to feel heard and supported? C Horses provides a welcoming, non-clinical space where therapy feels more like a journey than an appointment. Sessions can take place in a cosy cottage, in the garden, or while walking outdoors on our peaceful private farm. This flexible environment is ideal for adults, teens, and children who are anxious, neurodivergent, or overwhelmed in clinical settings. I work with individuals of all ages who benefit from creative, sensory, and movement-based approaches - whatever helps you feel safe, regulated, and understood.
Are you or your child looking for a new way to feel heard and supported? C Horses provides a welcoming, non-clinical space where therapy feels more like a journey than an appointment. Sessions can take place in a cosy cottage, in the garden, or while walking outdoors on our peaceful private farm. This flexible environment is ideal for adults, teens, and children who are anxious, neurodivergent, or overwhelmed in clinical settings. I work with individuals of all ages who benefit from creative, sensory, and movement-based approaches - whatever helps you feel safe, regulated, and understood.
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.
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.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
Vanessa is a Mental Health Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Counsellor. Vanessa is known for her empathetic approach and desire to empower clients, so they can make positive changes in line with their values. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. She has worked with people from diverse backgrounds and of all ages. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. Vanessa is also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician and a Certified RO-DBT Practitioner.
Vanessa is a Mental Health Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Counsellor. Vanessa is known for her empathetic approach and desire to empower clients, so they can make positive changes in line with their values. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. She has worked with people from diverse backgrounds and of all ages. Her calm and caring nature allows her to build trust even with the most resistant clients. Vanessa is also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician and a Certified RO-DBT Practitioner.
Relationships are our life blood to health and happiness. Investing in your relationship is bound to lead to an improved quality of life, an increased sense of your own identity and the potential to enjoy enriched, purposeful and mutually beneficial relationships with others.
Relationships are our life blood to health and happiness. Investing in your relationship is bound to lead to an improved quality of life, an increased sense of your own identity and the potential to enjoy enriched, purposeful and mutually beneficial relationships with others.
Our ideal clients are autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD young people, often described as "hard to engage," "shut down," or "burnt out." Many have tried traditional talk therapy and found it overwhelming, boring, or unsafe. They come to us because parents, support coordinators, or schools recognise that the usual format isn't working. We meet them inside the games they love (Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, Discord) using play and shared interest to build genuine trust. From there, we support regulation, identity, RSD, school distress, and burnout recovery in a way that respects how their brain actually works.
Our ideal clients are autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD young people, often described as "hard to engage," "shut down," or "burnt out." Many have tried traditional talk therapy and found it overwhelming, boring, or unsafe. They come to us because parents, support coordinators, or schools recognise that the usual format isn't working. We meet them inside the games they love (Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, Discord) using play and shared interest to build genuine trust. From there, we support regulation, identity, RSD, school distress, and burnout recovery in a way that respects how their brain actually works.
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.
My practice is also informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS), mindfulness based interventions and humanistic frameworks.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist working with adults navigating challenges related to trauma, identity, and relationships. My approach integrates parts work and humanistic frameworks alongside evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness, to help clients notice patterns, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful change. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences and work toward a life aligned with your values.
Only accepting Telehealth clients.
My practice is also informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS), mindfulness based interventions and humanistic frameworks.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist working with adults navigating challenges related to trauma, identity, and relationships. My approach integrates parts work and humanistic frameworks alongside evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness, to help clients notice patterns, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful change. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences and work toward a life aligned with your values.
Only accepting Telehealth clients.
Alison provides a thoughtful, respectful and caring environment for personal growth, change and well being. Alison’s approach to therapy is based on providing treatment that is tailored to the particular needs, circumstances and personality of her clients. Alison Turner PhD is a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist, she has many years of experience in private practice where she sees individuals, couples, families and children.
Alison provides a thoughtful, respectful and caring environment for personal growth, change and well being. Alison’s approach to therapy is based on providing treatment that is tailored to the particular needs, circumstances and personality of her clients. Alison Turner PhD is a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist, she has many years of experience in private practice where she sees individuals, couples, families and children.
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 am a Clinical Psychologist with experience in supporting individuals navigating the impacts of cultural diversity, marginalisation, neurodivergence, and complex trauma. My approach is rooted in creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for people to explore their experiences and develop meaningful, lasting change.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with experience in supporting individuals navigating the impacts of cultural diversity, marginalisation, neurodivergence, and complex trauma. My approach is rooted in creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for people to explore their experiences and develop meaningful, lasting change.
I work at Maple Psychology. My goal as a Psychologist is to help clients feel supported, safe and that they can be vulnerable in their sessions. I want them to look forward to coming to therapy and have good outcomes. I make sure the clinic is bright, warm and feels homely. Clients are supported by my receptionist and we aim to make the whole process to be compassionate, welcoming and accepting.
I work at Maple Psychology. My goal as a Psychologist is to help clients feel supported, safe and that they can be vulnerable in their sessions. I want them to look forward to coming to therapy and have good outcomes. I make sure the clinic is bright, warm and feels homely. Clients are supported by my receptionist and we aim to make the whole process to be compassionate, welcoming and accepting.
I am an experienced, accredited EMDR and trauma-oriented clinician with extensive expertise in treating clinicians, veterans, and civilians. My approach is ethical, evidence-based, and client-centered, and draws upon a diverse repertoire of specialized skills and advanced training. I am committed to providing a safe, effective, and tailored therapeutic experience to my clients, many of whom are extremely vulnerable, and fearful of engaging with a therapist.
I am an experienced, accredited EMDR and trauma-oriented clinician with extensive expertise in treating clinicians, veterans, and civilians. My approach is ethical, evidence-based, and client-centered, and draws upon a diverse repertoire of specialized skills and advanced training. I am committed to providing a safe, effective, and tailored therapeutic experience to my clients, many of whom are extremely vulnerable, and fearful of engaging with a therapist.
You’re the one who’s always been “too sensitive,” “too deep,” or “too much.” You’ve carried everyone else’s emotions while quietly neglecting your own. Now you feel tired, unseen, and ready for change.
You want to heal the wounds that keep replaying — the trauma, anxiety, or self-doubt that’s dimmed your light. You crave peace, authenticity, and real connection — not quick fixes, but lasting healing that feels like coming home to yourself.
Deep down, you just want to feel safe in your own skin again — calm, grounded, and whole.
You’re the one who’s always been “too sensitive,” “too deep,” or “too much.” You’ve carried everyone else’s emotions while quietly neglecting your own. Now you feel tired, unseen, and ready for change.
You want to heal the wounds that keep replaying — the trauma, anxiety, or self-doubt that’s dimmed your light. You crave peace, authenticity, and real connection — not quick fixes, but lasting healing that feels like coming home to yourself.
Deep down, you just want to feel safe in your own skin again — calm, grounded, and whole.
Big life changes can leave you feeling all kinds of lost—like you’re not quite sure who you are anymore or how to fit in. Maybe past experiences keep showing up uninvited. Maybe your relationships feel distant, or you’re stuck between cultures, trying to hold on to who you are while adapting to something new. If this sounds familiar, I see you—and I’m here for you. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, especially migrants navigating identity and belonging. I offer a warm, safe space to talk things through, get unstuck, and start healing.
Big life changes can leave you feeling all kinds of lost—like you’re not quite sure who you are anymore or how to fit in. Maybe past experiences keep showing up uninvited. Maybe your relationships feel distant, or you’re stuck between cultures, trying to hold on to who you are while adapting to something new. If this sounds familiar, I see you—and I’m here for you. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, especially migrants navigating identity and belonging. I offer a warm, safe space to talk things through, get unstuck, and start healing.
At Blossoming Minds Therapy, we offer a warm, depth-oriented approach to therapy grounded in Psychosynthesis and psychodynamic psychotherapy. We support individuals, couples, families, and clinicians to explore patterns that may be shaping their relationships, wellbeing, and sense of self. By understanding how past experiences influence the present, clients can develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and more meaningful connections. Our work provides a safe and reflective space to navigate life's challenges, foster personal growth, and reconnect with purpose, authenticity, and lasting change.
At Blossoming Minds Therapy, we offer a warm, depth-oriented approach to therapy grounded in Psychosynthesis and psychodynamic psychotherapy. We support individuals, couples, families, and clinicians to explore patterns that may be shaping their relationships, wellbeing, and sense of self. By understanding how past experiences influence the present, clients can develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and more meaningful connections. Our work provides a safe and reflective space to navigate life's challenges, foster personal growth, and reconnect with purpose, authenticity, and lasting change.
Hello there,
Welcome, I am currently accepting new clients, with no wait time or need to have a GP referral.
Hello there,
Welcome, I am currently accepting new clients, with no wait time or need to have a GP referral.
See more therapy options for Frenchs Forest
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Frenchs Forest
- Balgowlah
- Brookvale
- Chatswood
- Dee Why
- Freshwater
- Gordon
- Killara
- Lindfield
- Northbridge
- Queenscliff
- Roseville
- 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.