Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychologists and Therapists in Surry Hills, NSW

Alexandra Zorbas-Maiden
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
I am genuinely curious about the hopes, dreams and inner workings of anyone that comes to see me. Together, we can navigate where you want your life to go and any obstacles you wish to overcome: identifying your personal values, desires, yearnings, and any emotional conflicts or confusions - acknowledging patterns in your relationships, behaviour with others, and the influence of social & cultural factors on 'identity' and quality of life. Feeling heard, seen and understood is vitally important.
I am genuinely curious about the hopes, dreams and inner workings of anyone that comes to see me. Together, we can navigate where you want your life to go and any obstacles you wish to overcome: identifying your personal values, desires, yearnings, and any emotional conflicts or confusions - acknowledging patterns in your relationships, behaviour with others, and the influence of social & cultural factors on 'identity' and quality of life. Feeling heard, seen and understood is vitally important.
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Helen Qin Counselling (English, Mandarin)
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Hello, I am a registered Medicare provider, highly professional and compassionate bilingual psychotherapist/counsellor (English, Mandarin) and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with more than 12 years of clinical experience. I am also a professionally trained and qualified relationship/marriage counsellor (Dr. John Gottman method of couple counselling level 3 trained).
Hello, I am a registered Medicare provider, highly professional and compassionate bilingual psychotherapist/counsellor (English, Mandarin) and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with more than 12 years of clinical experience. I am also a professionally trained and qualified relationship/marriage counsellor (Dr. John Gottman method of couple counselling level 3 trained).
(02) 9098 5155 View (02) 9098 5155
Roderick Gawthrop
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
I'm a clinical psychologist offering evidence-based therapy tailored to each person, drawing on CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, ACT, family systems, and trauma-informed care.
You may be feeling stuck — weighed down by anxiety or low mood, struggling with stress and burnout, navigating a difficult life transition, or caught in long-standing patterns that keep showing up in your relationships, work, or sense of self. At Agile Clinical Psychology we offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy for people across all stages of life. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, existential concerns, and personality and relational issues, among other concerns — helping you build insight, regulate difficult emotions, and create change that lasts.
I'm a clinical psychologist offering evidence-based therapy tailored to each person, drawing on CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, ACT, family systems, and trauma-informed care.
You may be feeling stuck — weighed down by anxiety or low mood, struggling with stress and burnout, navigating a difficult life transition, or caught in long-standing patterns that keep showing up in your relationships, work, or sense of self. At Agile Clinical Psychology we offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy for people across all stages of life. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, existential concerns, and personality and relational issues, among other concerns — helping you build insight, regulate difficult emotions, and create change that lasts.
0422 918 631 View 0422 918 631
Preeti Phartiyal
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
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.
(02) 9100 0564 View (02) 9100 0564
Scarlett Stemler
Counsellor, PACFA
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
At the core of my therapeutic practice is healing through connection. Focusing on the relationship between client and therapist, I create a safe, warm and supportive environment. My experience is that this relational capacity and self-knowledge developed in therapy can then extend outside the therapy room, into the life of the client. Underpinning this, I believe feeling safe is the healing aspect, and so I create a space where clients can fully bring themselves, where vulnerability is welcomed, and where deep personal transformation can unfold. True healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and held without judgment.
At the core of my therapeutic practice is healing through connection. Focusing on the relationship between client and therapist, I create a safe, warm and supportive environment. My experience is that this relational capacity and self-knowledge developed in therapy can then extend outside the therapy room, into the life of the client. Underpinning this, I believe feeling safe is the healing aspect, and so I create a space where clients can fully bring themselves, where vulnerability is welcomed, and where deep personal transformation can unfold. True healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and held without judgment.
0490 863 659 View 0490 863 659
Amelie Nguyen
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
Amelie Nguyen is a fully qualified Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor who works collaboratively with adults to create meaningful, lasting change. Amelie is known for her calm, grounded, and practical approach, helping clients not only gain insight into their experiences, but also develop the skills needed to move forward with confidence and self-trust. Amelie brings a culturally informed understanding of identity, family dynamics, intergenerational patterns, and the complexity of balancing different cultural expectations. She values creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe to be themselves.
Amelie Nguyen is a fully qualified Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor who works collaboratively with adults to create meaningful, lasting change. Amelie is known for her calm, grounded, and practical approach, helping clients not only gain insight into their experiences, but also develop the skills needed to move forward with confidence and self-trust. Amelie brings a culturally informed understanding of identity, family dynamics, intergenerational patterns, and the complexity of balancing different cultural expectations. She values creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe to be themselves.
(02) 9100 0673 View (02) 9100 0673
Mathew Roland Bergan
Psychotherapist
1 Endorsed
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Welcome, I am Mathew Bergan (he, they), a therapist for individuals with a somatic focus. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Gestalt psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting. My practice specialises in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties, including the impacts of early developmental experiences. I draw from an integrative, body-aware approach that supports awareness, agency, and self-direction. Our work together centres on what is happening in the present moment, allowing insight to emerge through a relational process.
Welcome, I am Mathew Bergan (he, they), a therapist for individuals with a somatic focus. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Gestalt psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting. My practice specialises in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties, including the impacts of early developmental experiences. I draw from an integrative, body-aware approach that supports awareness, agency, and self-direction. Our work together centres on what is happening in the present moment, allowing insight to emerge through a relational process.
0413 738 684 View 0413 738 684
Janet Burke
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
I use an integrative approach and am particularly passionate and informed by approaches such as Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems.
With specialist skills in grief, chronic illness and infertility I work from a somatic and trauma informed lens. I am passionate about companioning people through adversity, and believe that it through support and connection that we are able to come back to ourselves. I combine my love of neuroscience with an integrative approach, drawing on a number of modalities to support healing. Initially trained as a teacher I have worked extensively in education and health, working therapeutically with children, young people and their families in hospice and hospital to support coping with chronic illness for over 25 years.
I use an integrative approach and am particularly passionate and informed by approaches such as Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems.
With specialist skills in grief, chronic illness and infertility I work from a somatic and trauma informed lens. I am passionate about companioning people through adversity, and believe that it through support and connection that we are able to come back to ourselves. I combine my love of neuroscience with an integrative approach, drawing on a number of modalities to support healing. Initially trained as a teacher I have worked extensively in education and health, working therapeutically with children, young people and their families in hospice and hospital to support coping with chronic illness for over 25 years.
0402 350 782 View 0402 350 782
Jay Runds
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
I also draw from attachment theory, narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems, and polyvagal theory.
I'm Jay (they/them), a transmasculine non-binary counselor with a focus on supporting people in the LGBTIQ+ community, neurodivergent folk, and others who feel like their identity or lifestyle is stigmatised or misunderstood. I work with issues of identity, meaning, and purpose and feelings of stuckness. Maybe your life doesn't feel quite right despite (or maybe especially) it looking good on paper, or old issues are starting to bubble up now. I believe that everyone deserves to have a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space to work through the issues that have brought them into therapy - however long that may take.
I also draw from attachment theory, narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems, and polyvagal theory.
I'm Jay (they/them), a transmasculine non-binary counselor with a focus on supporting people in the LGBTIQ+ community, neurodivergent folk, and others who feel like their identity or lifestyle is stigmatised or misunderstood. I work with issues of identity, meaning, and purpose and feelings of stuckness. Maybe your life doesn't feel quite right despite (or maybe especially) it looking good on paper, or old issues are starting to bubble up now. I believe that everyone deserves to have a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space to work through the issues that have brought them into therapy - however long that may take.
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Lucas Plunkett
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Something brought you here—maybe a feeling, a question, or a sense that things could be different. Whatever it is, I’m glad you’re exploring this next step. I provide a warm, attuned space where you can bring whatever you’re going through, whether it’s; anxiety, depression, addictions/compulsions, relationship issues, sexuality, identity or that you're simply feeling stuck in life.
Something brought you here—maybe a feeling, a question, or a sense that things could be different. Whatever it is, I’m glad you’re exploring this next step. I provide a warm, attuned space where you can bring whatever you’re going through, whether it’s; anxiety, depression, addictions/compulsions, relationship issues, sexuality, identity or that you're simply feeling stuck in life.
0404 991 746 View 0404 991 746
Anima Hub
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
At Anima Hub, we believe therapy is more than just conversation—it’s about creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, tailored to your unique needs, and designed to help you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
At Anima Hub, we believe therapy is more than just conversation—it’s about creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, tailored to your unique needs, and designed to help you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
0426 926 171 View 0426 926 171
Life Source Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
I integrate relational psychodynamic models with IFS, ACT and experiential creative methods in a trauma informed, embodied way.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by the weight of old wounds, stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or unsure how to manage intense emotions, loss, relationships, or parts of yourself that seem in conflict. You may be navigating recovery, life's transitions, questioning your identity, living with ADHD, or trying to make sense of complex trauma. More than anything, you want to feel more connected—to yourself, to others, and to a life that feels meaningful and grounded.
I integrate relational psychodynamic models with IFS, ACT and experiential creative methods in a trauma informed, embodied way.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by the weight of old wounds, stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or unsure how to manage intense emotions, loss, relationships, or parts of yourself that seem in conflict. You may be navigating recovery, life's transitions, questioning your identity, living with ADHD, or trying to make sense of complex trauma. More than anything, you want to feel more connected—to yourself, to others, and to a life that feels meaningful and grounded.
0415 355 582 View 0415 355 582
Loredana Punal
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Whether you are seeking counselling/therapy for the first time, or you are a veteran on this journey, I welcome you, all of you, with an open mind and open heart. Often making the decision to seek support is a crucial step towards healing and sustainable change.
Whether you are seeking counselling/therapy for the first time, or you are a veteran on this journey, I welcome you, all of you, with an open mind and open heart. Often making the decision to seek support is a crucial step towards healing and sustainable change.
(02) 9159 6746 View (02) 9159 6746
Have you found me because you're yearning for a healthier, more connected relationship? Are you finding yourself stuck in relationship patterns that leave you feeling tired and stuck, despite desperately wanting it to feel different? I am a couple, family and relationship therapist, working with individuals, couples and families who feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns - ongoing conflict, emotional distance, or communication that no longer feels constructive or connecting. I've been working with people and their relationships for a decade now, and I truly believe our relationships are the foundation of our wellbeing.
Have you found me because you're yearning for a healthier, more connected relationship? Are you finding yourself stuck in relationship patterns that leave you feeling tired and stuck, despite desperately wanting it to feel different? I am a couple, family and relationship therapist, working with individuals, couples and families who feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns - ongoing conflict, emotional distance, or communication that no longer feels constructive or connecting. I've been working with people and their relationships for a decade now, and I truly believe our relationships are the foundation of our wellbeing.
0448 410 144 View 0448 410 144
Alana Russell
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
I’m Alana Russell, an Accredited Social Worker and trauma-informed therapist in private practice. I provide compassionate, evidence based counselling to individuals, couples, families, first responders, and veterans both online Australia-wide and in-person in Caringbah & Surry Hills, Sydney. My work focuses on helping people heal from trauma, manage stress and burnout, strengthen relationships, and build meaningful resilience so they can feel lighter, more grounded, and back in control of their lives.
I’m Alana Russell, an Accredited Social Worker and trauma-informed therapist in private practice. I provide compassionate, evidence based counselling to individuals, couples, families, first responders, and veterans both online Australia-wide and in-person in Caringbah & Surry Hills, Sydney. My work focuses on helping people heal from trauma, manage stress and burnout, strengthen relationships, and build meaningful resilience so they can feel lighter, more grounded, and back in control of their lives.
(02) 7501 0031 View (02) 7501 0031
Timothea Goddard
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I draw on evidence-based approaches - developmental psychology (ANZAP), mindfulness training (MBSR and MiCBT) and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
By exploring and reorganising aspects of your inner life, new possibilities for more flexible and wise action in your outer life can emerge. The therapy process gradually builds understanding and resilience - leading to more freedom, groundedness and authority in your life.
I draw on evidence-based approaches - developmental psychology (ANZAP), mindfulness training (MBSR and MiCBT) and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
By exploring and reorganising aspects of your inner life, new possibilities for more flexible and wise action in your outer life can emerge. The therapy process gradually builds understanding and resilience - leading to more freedom, groundedness and authority in your life.
(02) 8294 5830 View (02) 8294 5830
Carla Deplancke
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I’m a Clinical Psychologist offering a depth-oriented, somatic therapy called Internal Family Systems therapy.
I approach therapy as a space where together we can make sense of your inner world, understand the patterns you find yourself in, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself, while moving toward a life that feels meaningful and aligned with what matters.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist offering a depth-oriented, somatic therapy called Internal Family Systems therapy.
I approach therapy as a space where together we can make sense of your inner world, understand the patterns you find yourself in, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself, while moving toward a life that feels meaningful and aligned with what matters.
0450 940 941 View 0450 940 941
Angela Curtis
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Hi everyone, With over a decade of dedicated experience, I’m a Registered Psychologist specialising in evidence-based, personalised care across the lifespan—from children aged 5+ and adolescents to adults and couples. My core clinical interests include: anxiety, depression & stress management, behavioural challenges, autism, ADHD, relationship dynamics. I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet each client’s unique needs, including CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and complementary mind–body approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Passionate and client-centred, I’m committed to helping individuals and families.
Hi everyone, With over a decade of dedicated experience, I’m a Registered Psychologist specialising in evidence-based, personalised care across the lifespan—from children aged 5+ and adolescents to adults and couples. My core clinical interests include: anxiety, depression & stress management, behavioural challenges, autism, ADHD, relationship dynamics. I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet each client’s unique needs, including CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and complementary mind–body approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Passionate and client-centred, I’m committed to helping individuals and families.
(02) 8999 5404 View (02) 8999 5404
Stephen Moore
Psychotherapist, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Inner Strength Therapy offers counselling in Sydney for trauma and anxiety to individuals and couples who are finding life challenging and stressful due to adverse past trauma. We address and treat a wide range of mental health issues including mood and anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Counselling and Therapy are about healing and finding your way again towards a life of contentment and purpose. Sometimes this comes down to simply talking it out with an understanding and perceptive person trained in areas of counselling.
Inner Strength Therapy offers counselling in Sydney for trauma and anxiety to individuals and couples who are finding life challenging and stressful due to adverse past trauma. We address and treat a wide range of mental health issues including mood and anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Counselling and Therapy are about healing and finding your way again towards a life of contentment and purpose. Sometimes this comes down to simply talking it out with an understanding and perceptive person trained in areas of counselling.
(02) 8294 7054 View (02) 8294 7054
Amanda Joy Robb
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
EMDR/Trauma-Informed/CBT/Narrative Therapies & Clinical Supervision Offered. Joy Through Therapy is founded by Amanda Joy Robb, a renowned and innovative Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. Amanda specialises in Trauma, Sexology, Sexual Health and Relationships, and Supervision. Throughout these three domains, Amanda offers services for Trauma based Therapies, Sex & Relationship Therapy and Clinical Individual and Group Supervision, as well as Consultation training services.
EMDR/Trauma-Informed/CBT/Narrative Therapies & Clinical Supervision Offered. Joy Through Therapy is founded by Amanda Joy Robb, a renowned and innovative Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. Amanda specialises in Trauma, Sexology, Sexual Health and Relationships, and Supervision. Throughout these three domains, Amanda offers services for Trauma based Therapies, Sex & Relationship Therapy and Clinical Individual and Group Supervision, as well as Consultation training services.
(02) 9158 6068 View (02) 9158 6068

See more therapy options for Surry Hills

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.