Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychologists and Therapists in Saint Ives, NSW
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.
Child, Adolescent, Adult psychology services. Those seeking individual growth, unresolved childhood traumas, assistance with separating inherited identity from chosen identity with consideration of religious, cultural, value and political views, depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioural programs/intervention, worker‘s compensation, motor vehicle accidents, relationship issues, medicolegal reports
Child, Adolescent, Adult psychology services. Those seeking individual growth, unresolved childhood traumas, assistance with separating inherited identity from chosen identity with consideration of religious, cultural, value and political views, depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioural programs/intervention, worker‘s compensation, motor vehicle accidents, relationship issues, medicolegal reports
If it feels like your nervous system and personal history is running the show, triggering your reactions and hijacking your responses, you’ve come to the right place.
Work with me to master your personal alarm system and build healthier ways of self-regulating and responding.
We'll look across your lifespan to understand how patterns developed, then focus on the change you deserve.
- Learn to cultivate time out of fight, flight and freeze
- Learn the art of healthy boundaries
- Learn to support your nervous system and communicate clearly.
Ready to stop reacting and start responding?
If it feels like your nervous system and personal history is running the show, triggering your reactions and hijacking your responses, you’ve come to the right place.
Work with me to master your personal alarm system and build healthier ways of self-regulating and responding.
We'll look across your lifespan to understand how patterns developed, then focus on the change you deserve.
- Learn to cultivate time out of fight, flight and freeze
- Learn the art of healthy boundaries
- Learn to support your nervous system and communicate clearly.
Ready to stop reacting and start responding?
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.
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
My approach integrates evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and DBT.
Every one of us has a unique story to tell – some are more difficult or painful than others. If you are navigating new or long-standing emotional or psychological challenges in your life, it can help to speak to a compassionate and experienced professional. I welcome you to share your story and together we can plan a pathway towards helping you heal and live a fulfilling life.
My approach integrates evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and DBT.
Every one of us has a unique story to tell – some are more difficult or painful than others. If you are navigating new or long-standing emotional or psychological challenges in your life, it can help to speak to a compassionate and experienced professional. I welcome you to share your story and together we can plan a pathway towards helping you heal and live a fulfilling life.
Paula Garrido is a trained couple, sex and family therapist, and I offer a warm, inclusive, and non-judgmental space for couples and relationship structures of all kinds to feel seen, heard, and supported. I work with monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, including polyamory, open relationships, and ethically non-monogamous (ENM) dynamics. I provide a respectful and affirming space to assist you with your goals. Paula Garrido couple, family and sex therapist appointments: $350 couple therapy, $350 Couple Sex therapy and $450 family therapy.
Paula Garrido is a trained couple, sex and family therapist, and I offer a warm, inclusive, and non-judgmental space for couples and relationship structures of all kinds to feel seen, heard, and supported. I work with monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, including polyamory, open relationships, and ethically non-monogamous (ENM) dynamics. I provide a respectful and affirming space to assist you with your goals. Paula Garrido couple, family and sex therapist appointments: $350 couple therapy, $350 Couple Sex therapy and $450 family therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Most issues that people experience have their origins in childhood when developmental needs were not met. Most parents mean well and do their best but because our culture is generally ignorant about the early needs of children the child has to learn how to adapt. For example a parent because of their upbringing may be easily angered. One way is for the child to move towards the parent by always trying to please the parent to ward off an angry episode. That is the behavior and the belief is "I have to be good or mummy will not love me." This establishes a mode that may not be helpful in later life in intimate relationships.
Most issues that people experience have their origins in childhood when developmental needs were not met. Most parents mean well and do their best but because our culture is generally ignorant about the early needs of children the child has to learn how to adapt. For example a parent because of their upbringing may be easily angered. One way is for the child to move towards the parent by always trying to please the parent to ward off an angry episode. That is the behavior and the belief is "I have to be good or mummy will not love me." This establishes a mode that may not be helpful in later life in intimate relationships.
Are you seeking guidance and support on your journey of self-discovery and healing? Are you dealing with fears, challenges, and anxieties, as well as trauma, shame, and abandonment issues? Open to exploring your authentic self, do you value feeling seen, heard, and acknowledged in sessions? Are you committed to actively participating in talk therapy, delving into your childhood attachments and past experiences to gain deeper understanding? Do you prioritize your emotional well-being and are willing to engage in a safe and confidential therapeutic environment to address your needs and foster personal growth?
Are you seeking guidance and support on your journey of self-discovery and healing? Are you dealing with fears, challenges, and anxieties, as well as trauma, shame, and abandonment issues? Open to exploring your authentic self, do you value feeling seen, heard, and acknowledged in sessions? Are you committed to actively participating in talk therapy, delving into your childhood attachments and past experiences to gain deeper understanding? Do you prioritize your emotional well-being and are willing to engage in a safe and confidential therapeutic environment to address your needs and foster personal growth?
I am a Hunter Valley based therapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years experience. I offer a wealth of knowledge and in-depth experience of complex trauma, life-controlling issues, addictions and relationships. Co-founder/CEO of a women's rehabilitation program, Destiny Haven, our mission is to see the lives of broken women restored. I have received significant recognition for my achievements, including finalist in Telstra Businesswomen's awards (2017). I use proven approaches offering unique expertise to help you quickly begin to experience relief from life controlling symptoms that hinder your relationships and limit life
I am a Hunter Valley based therapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years experience. I offer a wealth of knowledge and in-depth experience of complex trauma, life-controlling issues, addictions and relationships. Co-founder/CEO of a women's rehabilitation program, Destiny Haven, our mission is to see the lives of broken women restored. I have received significant recognition for my achievements, including finalist in Telstra Businesswomen's awards (2017). I use proven approaches offering unique expertise to help you quickly begin to experience relief from life controlling symptoms that hinder your relationships and limit life
Under this foundation I use EMDR as a method of reducing trauma and Internal Family Systems as a way of explaining how the mind creates parts and helps people heal wounded parts of their psyche and end negative patterns.
I work primarily with adults who experienced childhood trauma. If you have suffered from emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse or any other trauma I can help with the emotional or psychological impact; the possible impairment of self- esteem/self worth, the dysfunctional relationships you may have at times and the physical health consequences of childhood trauma. I help you to identify how you experienced these as a child and what kind of feelings arise as you now look at the experiences through an adult lens. We keep one foot in the present whilst accessing the trauma experienced and help you move to resilience and recovery
Under this foundation I use EMDR as a method of reducing trauma and Internal Family Systems as a way of explaining how the mind creates parts and helps people heal wounded parts of their psyche and end negative patterns.
I work primarily with adults who experienced childhood trauma. If you have suffered from emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse or any other trauma I can help with the emotional or psychological impact; the possible impairment of self- esteem/self worth, the dysfunctional relationships you may have at times and the physical health consequences of childhood trauma. I help you to identify how you experienced these as a child and what kind of feelings arise as you now look at the experiences through an adult lens. We keep one foot in the present whilst accessing the trauma experienced and help you move to resilience and recovery
I’m a Level 3 trained Internal Family Systems ( IFS) therapist.
I use IFS alongside trauma-informed and somatic approaches to support emotional regulation, self-trust, and clarity. In a safe, attuned space, we explore patterns and responses without judgement, helping change unfold in a way that is sustainable, compassionate, and deeply personal.
I’m a Level 3 trained Internal Family Systems ( IFS) therapist.
I use IFS alongside trauma-informed and somatic approaches to support emotional regulation, self-trust, and clarity. In a safe, attuned space, we explore patterns and responses without judgement, helping change unfold in a way that is sustainable, compassionate, and deeply personal.
Hello, I’m Anthony, and I’m passionate about supporting people who are ready to make positive changes in their lives. Life can be overwhelming at times, and many individuals face challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relying on old coping mechanisms that no longer serve them. My approach is to walk alongside you as we explore what aligns with your values and goals, helping you move towards growth, developing new stories or beliefs, while letting go of patterns that may no longer be helpful.
I bring a compassionate, empathetic, trauma informed approach, along with lived experience, to our work together.
Hello, I’m Anthony, and I’m passionate about supporting people who are ready to make positive changes in their lives. Life can be overwhelming at times, and many individuals face challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relying on old coping mechanisms that no longer serve them. My approach is to walk alongside you as we explore what aligns with your values and goals, helping you move towards growth, developing new stories or beliefs, while letting go of patterns that may no longer be helpful.
I bring a compassionate, empathetic, trauma informed approach, along with lived experience, to our work together.
Emma is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working collaboratively with her clients to understand their current experiences and why they are seeking help. Emma is always keen to be guided by you as to how much we need to focus on the present and how much on the path that led you here.
Emma is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working collaboratively with her clients to understand their current experiences and why they are seeking help. Emma is always keen to be guided by you as to how much we need to focus on the present and how much on the path that led you here.
Hi, I'm Claire and I work with people carrying the impact of past experiences.
You may be managing a lot on the outside but feel anxious or overwhelmed beneath the surface. These feelings often arise from difficult situations that were intense, frightening, or overwhelming and that happened before you had a chance to protect yourself. You may have learned to push parts of yourself aside, which makes sense given what you have lived through.
I’m a psychologist, accredited EMDR practitioner and somatic therapist.
Hi, I'm Claire and I work with people carrying the impact of past experiences.
You may be managing a lot on the outside but feel anxious or overwhelmed beneath the surface. These feelings often arise from difficult situations that were intense, frightening, or overwhelming and that happened before you had a chance to protect yourself. You may have learned to push parts of yourself aside, which makes sense given what you have lived through.
I’m a psychologist, accredited EMDR practitioner and somatic therapist.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or struggling with the impact of trauma, abuse, loss, or relationship difficulties? Reaching out for support can feel daunting, particularly when you’ve been carrying things alone. I am a Psychotherapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 13 years’ experience supporting individuals. My expertise is in complex trauma, including childhood sexual abuse, domestic and family violence, attachment wounds, and institutional abuse. Together, we can explore patterns, build insight, strengthen relationships, create meaningful change, and live with greater clarity and confidence.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or struggling with the impact of trauma, abuse, loss, or relationship difficulties? Reaching out for support can feel daunting, particularly when you’ve been carrying things alone. I am a Psychotherapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 13 years’ experience supporting individuals. My expertise is in complex trauma, including childhood sexual abuse, domestic and family violence, attachment wounds, and institutional abuse. Together, we can explore patterns, build insight, strengthen relationships, create meaningful change, and live with greater clarity and confidence.
Women who struggle to trust their feelings, avoid conflict (translates as abandoning your self) and struggle to include themselves in their own lives, are women I love to support. These challenges absolutely impact your relationships, work, parenting and self confidence. Perhaps you find it impossible to take up space in your life and family? You are over stretched, exhausted (or anxious) and can't say no. Perhaps you are waiting for someone to tell you your emotions are reasonable, and you want someone to give you permission to want what you want? You certainly want to be less at the whim of the world and your big feelings.
Women who struggle to trust their feelings, avoid conflict (translates as abandoning your self) and struggle to include themselves in their own lives, are women I love to support. These challenges absolutely impact your relationships, work, parenting and self confidence. Perhaps you find it impossible to take up space in your life and family? You are over stretched, exhausted (or anxious) and can't say no. Perhaps you are waiting for someone to tell you your emotions are reasonable, and you want someone to give you permission to want what you want? You certainly want to be less at the whim of the world and your big feelings.
With advanced training in EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and somatic therapies, I support you to process the shock, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild your sense of self.
My ideal client is a high-functioning, emotionally intelligent woman blindsided by betrayal- infidelity, porn use, or secret-keeping. She feels anxious, disoriented, and unsafe. She needs clinical healing, clarity, and real support. Her goal is to reclaim her voice, rebuild self-trust, and feel whole again- not just surviving, but rising stronger, wiser, and deeply empowered. I offer EMDR intensives specifically designed for betrayed partners, combining deep clinical healing with focused, trauma-informed support.
With advanced training in EMDR, Internal Family Systems ( IFS), and somatic therapies, I support you to process the shock, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild your sense of self.
My ideal client is a high-functioning, emotionally intelligent woman blindsided by betrayal- infidelity, porn use, or secret-keeping. She feels anxious, disoriented, and unsafe. She needs clinical healing, clarity, and real support. Her goal is to reclaim her voice, rebuild self-trust, and feel whole again- not just surviving, but rising stronger, wiser, and deeply empowered. I offer EMDR intensives specifically designed for betrayed partners, combining deep clinical healing with focused, trauma-informed support.
My approach blends Humanistic Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Somatics and Eastern healing philosophies with a coaching framework.
Hello! I’m Emily Lewis, an online neurodivergent psychologist, counsellor and coach. I support Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD women, and those beyond the binary, who feel exhausted from years of masking, burnout, or trying to live by expectations that never fit. You may be seeking to explore your neurodivergent identity after self-identification or a diagnosis, or looking for support with executive function, emotional regulation, sensory needs or self-compassion.
My approach blends Humanistic Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Somatics and Eastern healing philosophies with a coaching framework.
Hello! I’m Emily Lewis, an online neurodivergent psychologist, counsellor and coach. I support Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD women, and those beyond the binary, who feel exhausted from years of masking, burnout, or trying to live by expectations that never fit. You may be seeking to explore your neurodivergent identity after self-identification or a diagnosis, or looking for support with executive function, emotional regulation, sensory needs or self-compassion.
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Saint Ives
- Brookvale
- Epping
- Frenchs Forest
- Gordon
- Hornsby
- Killara
- Lindfield
- Marsfield
- Pymble
- Roseville
- Turramurra
- Wahroonga
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.