Internal Family Systems (IFS) Psychologists and Therapists in Mornington, VIC
Through loving presence and techniques from Focusing and Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS), I help people access their own deep sense of inner knowing.
My name is Lauren and I am passionate about helping people connect with themselves more deeply. I have over 15 years experience working with trauma in private practice, as an academic and with the Centre for Survivors of Torture and Trauma. I also have an interest in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and am currently working on a clinical trial with Swinburne University.
Through loving presence and techniques from Focusing and Internal Family Systems Therapy ( IFS), I help people access their own deep sense of inner knowing.
My name is Lauren and I am passionate about helping people connect with themselves more deeply. I have over 15 years experience working with trauma in private practice, as an academic and with the Centre for Survivors of Torture and Trauma. I also have an interest in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and am currently working on a clinical trial with Swinburne University.
I wholeheartedly believe in therapeutic healing through safety, compassion & acceptance in the present moment. If we are in distress, feeling lost, alone, sad, anxious or angry it can be hard to know whom to talk with or, what to talk about. Sometimes we don't want to talk at all to start with and, would prefer to do a creative/movement exercise to express ourselves. Maybe we know exactly what we want to talk about and explore, maybe learning new skills to integrate into daily life. I can be there to support you, whatever stage you are at.
I wholeheartedly believe in therapeutic healing through safety, compassion & acceptance in the present moment. If we are in distress, feeling lost, alone, sad, anxious or angry it can be hard to know whom to talk with or, what to talk about. Sometimes we don't want to talk at all to start with and, would prefer to do a creative/movement exercise to express ourselves. Maybe we know exactly what we want to talk about and explore, maybe learning new skills to integrate into daily life. I can be there to support you, whatever stage you are at.
As an experienced Clinical & Counselling Psychologist and Supervisor with specialised training in mental health I offer counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. For families, I work with child mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, ARFID and provide neuro-affirming care and advocacy, support children through parental separation, and school challenges. I empower families to advocate for their neurodivergent young person in educational settings. For adults and couples, the aim is to enhance communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional responses.
As an experienced Clinical & Counselling Psychologist and Supervisor with specialised training in mental health I offer counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. For families, I work with child mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, ARFID and provide neuro-affirming care and advocacy, support children through parental separation, and school challenges. I empower families to advocate for their neurodivergent young person in educational settings. For adults and couples, the aim is to enhance communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional responses.
The essence of my therapy is in building solid, safe relationships collaboratively with my clients, catering to the unique needs of each person in a non-judgmental way. Rather than tell someone what they need, I prefer a merging of minds to make meaningful and sustainable differences. Together we explore resources to overcome adversity and suffering whilst learning to accept and adapt to the complicated facets of life where required. My therapeutic approach is also rooted in a deep exploration of early life experiences, with a focus on understanding and facilitating the healing of trauma or patterned behaviour.
The essence of my therapy is in building solid, safe relationships collaboratively with my clients, catering to the unique needs of each person in a non-judgmental way. Rather than tell someone what they need, I prefer a merging of minds to make meaningful and sustainable differences. Together we explore resources to overcome adversity and suffering whilst learning to accept and adapt to the complicated facets of life where required. My therapeutic approach is also rooted in a deep exploration of early life experiences, with a focus on understanding and facilitating the healing of trauma or patterned behaviour.
My practice draws from various therapeutic models, including Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt, Mentalization-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy, Attachment Repair, and Eco-psychotherapy.
I am genuinely inspired by an individual’s ability to endure suffering and still move forward, and by the human spirit’s innate capacity for healing. I believe therapy serves as the solid ground upon which a person's suffering is witnessed, held and honoured. From this place, together we explore their history, wounds, and trauma - the roots of their suffering. By establishing this foundation, we pave the way for transformation, nurturing new ways of being, and enabling lasting change. I work with clients to explore and address attitudes, behaviours, and thought patterns that may hinder the realization of their true potential..
My practice draws from various therapeutic models, including Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt, Mentalization-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy, Attachment Repair, and Eco-psychotherapy.
I am genuinely inspired by an individual’s ability to endure suffering and still move forward, and by the human spirit’s innate capacity for healing. I believe therapy serves as the solid ground upon which a person's suffering is witnessed, held and honoured. From this place, together we explore their history, wounds, and trauma - the roots of their suffering. By establishing this foundation, we pave the way for transformation, nurturing new ways of being, and enabling lasting change. I work with clients to explore and address attitudes, behaviours, and thought patterns that may hinder the realization of their true potential..
I welcome clients across the lifespan - pre-teens, adolescents, adults and parents. With experience across a range of settings including schools, aged care, in-home family therapy, neurodivergent settings and forensic mental health supporting young people involved with the justice system. The clients I enjoy working with may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected and is ready to make sense of things and co-create change for themselves. They may be navigating relationship tension, family stress, teenage mental health and behavioural difficulties, identity questions, or a major life transition.
I welcome clients across the lifespan - pre-teens, adolescents, adults and parents. With experience across a range of settings including schools, aged care, in-home family therapy, neurodivergent settings and forensic mental health supporting young people involved with the justice system. The clients I enjoy working with may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected and is ready to make sense of things and co-create change for themselves. They may be navigating relationship tension, family stress, teenage mental health and behavioural difficulties, identity questions, or a major life transition.
Couples often come to me when they feel stuck in painful cycles of conflict, emotional disconnection, betrayal, or uncertainty about the future of their relationship. Some are considering separation, while others deeply wish to repair and strengthen their bond but no longer know how to reach one another. I work with couples from diverse cultural backgrounds who are seeking greater understanding, trust, intimacy, and emotional security. Together, we create a space where difficult conversations can occur safely and productively, allowing meaningful change to become possible.
Couples often come to me when they feel stuck in painful cycles of conflict, emotional disconnection, betrayal, or uncertainty about the future of their relationship. Some are considering separation, while others deeply wish to repair and strengthen their bond but no longer know how to reach one another. I work with couples from diverse cultural backgrounds who are seeking greater understanding, trust, intimacy, and emotional security. Together, we create a space where difficult conversations can occur safely and productively, allowing meaningful change to become possible.
I am a qualified IAT (Integrative Attachment Therapy) therapist which specialises in adult attachment repair. Attachment repair effectively treats anxious, avoidant and disorganised attachment in adults, helping clients to achieve inner security, relationship satisfaction, and emotional well-being.
I use a combination of emotional, cognitive and somatic therapeutic approaches in my work, because not everyone is the same, and I find as a therapist I need a variety of tools in my kit to meet the unique needs of each client.
I am a qualified IAT (Integrative Attachment Therapy) therapist which specialises in adult attachment repair. Attachment repair effectively treats anxious, avoidant and disorganised attachment in adults, helping clients to achieve inner security, relationship satisfaction, and emotional well-being.
I use a combination of emotional, cognitive and somatic therapeutic approaches in my work, because not everyone is the same, and I find as a therapist I need a variety of tools in my kit to meet the unique needs of each client.
Hello:-) You've probably read 12 bios at this point and all the words are running together or sound the same. Or you're flicking thru photos of clinicians hoping that will give you clarity on who will be a good fit. I get it. "Therapist shopping" can be hard and overwhelming. And chances are if you're searching, you're struggling with something. Maybe I can offer a compassionate and safe enough space to help. I'm Vanessa. I'm a mental health social worker and qualified therapist with 20 years of experience. I am genuinely invested in supporting my clients to make sustainable changes in their lives.
Hello:-) You've probably read 12 bios at this point and all the words are running together or sound the same. Or you're flicking thru photos of clinicians hoping that will give you clarity on who will be a good fit. I get it. "Therapist shopping" can be hard and overwhelming. And chances are if you're searching, you're struggling with something. Maybe I can offer a compassionate and safe enough space to help. I'm Vanessa. I'm a mental health social worker and qualified therapist with 20 years of experience. I am genuinely invested in supporting my clients to make sustainable changes in their lives.
Hi everyone! I have a strong commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing of children, adolescents, adults, and families. I offer a calm, safe, and welcoming environment where clients can feel heard, and respected as they work through life’s challenges.
I hold 10 years of combined volunteer and work experience which has enhanced my ability to support dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, relationship difficulties, domestic violence, and diagnosed mental health disorders.
Whilst not an art therapist, I can integrate art therapy techniques with clients as a form of expression, being mindful, or finding self.
Hi everyone! I have a strong commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing of children, adolescents, adults, and families. I offer a calm, safe, and welcoming environment where clients can feel heard, and respected as they work through life’s challenges.
I hold 10 years of combined volunteer and work experience which has enhanced my ability to support dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, relationship difficulties, domestic violence, and diagnosed mental health disorders.
Whilst not an art therapist, I can integrate art therapy techniques with clients as a form of expression, being mindful, or finding self.
A registered psychotherapist, Melissa has a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Melissa uses a range of evidenced based approaches, tailoring the therapy to best suit the individual needs of her clients.
A registered psychotherapist, Melissa has a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Melissa uses a range of evidenced based approaches, tailoring the therapy to best suit the individual needs of her clients.
I utilise an integrative approach using many different modalities and tools such as somatic therapies, attachment theory, psychodynamic approach and internal family systems.
Psychotherapy is a journey of self-discovery, and I honor the complexity and richness of the human experience as a foundation for growth and change. Rather than focusing solely on problem-solving, I view therapy as a space to foster self-compassion for all parts of yourself, understand how past experiences shape present patterns, and cultivate resilience for
I utilise an integrative approach using many different modalities and tools such as somatic therapies, attachment theory, psychodynamic approach and internal family systems.
Psychotherapy is a journey of self-discovery, and I honor the complexity and richness of the human experience as a foundation for growth and change. Rather than focusing solely on problem-solving, I view therapy as a space to foster self-compassion for all parts of yourself, understand how past experiences shape present patterns, and cultivate resilience for
Hi I'm Kerryn Knight, Clinical Counsellor, Sandtray Therapist and Masters Qualified Art Therapist with over 17 years of experience. At Empowered Art Therapy within Kindred Art Space, I combine creative therapies with traditional psychotherapy to support your mental health and wellbeing. My approach is particularly effective if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and transitions in life, helping you find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
Hi I'm Kerryn Knight, Clinical Counsellor, Sandtray Therapist and Masters Qualified Art Therapist with over 17 years of experience. At Empowered Art Therapy within Kindred Art Space, I combine creative therapies with traditional psychotherapy to support your mental health and wellbeing. My approach is particularly effective if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and transitions in life, helping you find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
I'm Eva Truong, a Registered Clinical Counsellor dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families through life's challenges and transitions. I provide a compassionate, person-centred, and strength-based approach to help clients build resilience, insight, and lasting change. I work with children (5+ years), adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, workplace bullying, relationship difficulties, behavioural concerns, dementia-related challenges, career transitions, and family conflict. Together, we create practical pathways toward healing.
I'm Eva Truong, a Registered Clinical Counsellor dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families through life's challenges and transitions. I provide a compassionate, person-centred, and strength-based approach to help clients build resilience, insight, and lasting change. I work with children (5+ years), adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, workplace bullying, relationship difficulties, behavioural concerns, dementia-related challenges, career transitions, and family conflict. Together, we create practical pathways toward healing.
I employ presence-oriented psychotherapy, integrating approaches like ACT, MBCT, MBSR, Polyvagal therapy, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed IFS.
Navigating the intricate landscape of mental health, I specialize in supporting adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged individuals. From attachment and trauma to anxiety, relationship challenges, career stress, grief, depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm, substance abuse, low self-esteem, ADHD, complex trauma, and BPD – I address a diverse range of concerns. With a compassionate approach, we embark on a healing journey tailored to the unique needs of each individual, fostering resilience and well-being. Together, we navigate the complexities, promoting growth and empowerment in the face of various mental health challenges.
I employ presence-oriented psychotherapy, integrating approaches like ACT, MBCT, MBSR, Polyvagal therapy, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed IFS.
Navigating the intricate landscape of mental health, I specialize in supporting adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged individuals. From attachment and trauma to anxiety, relationship challenges, career stress, grief, depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm, substance abuse, low self-esteem, ADHD, complex trauma, and BPD – I address a diverse range of concerns. With a compassionate approach, we embark on a healing journey tailored to the unique needs of each individual, fostering resilience and well-being. Together, we navigate the complexities, promoting growth and empowerment in the face of various mental health challenges.
These treatment approaches include: cognitive-behavioural therapy; dialectical-behaviour therapy; eye-movement desensitisation reprocessing; acceptance and commitment therapy and internal family systems therapy
Michelle is a fully registered psychologist with over 20 years experience working in private and public health settings. Michelle works from a person-centred approach that actively involves the client in their own own treatment planning and goal setting. She recognises that clients require an individually tailored treatment approach depending on their goals and needs to ensure they get the most out of therapy. Her style is warm, collaborative and engaging.
These treatment approaches include: cognitive-behavioural therapy; dialectical-behaviour therapy; eye-movement desensitisation reprocessing; acceptance and commitment therapy and internal family systems therapy
Michelle is a fully registered psychologist with over 20 years experience working in private and public health settings. Michelle works from a person-centred approach that actively involves the client in their own own treatment planning and goal setting. She recognises that clients require an individually tailored treatment approach depending on their goals and needs to ensure they get the most out of therapy. Her style is warm, collaborative and engaging.
I am an Accredited Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist
specialising in working with high conflict family relationships. My expertise is working
with the spectrum of family diversity with multiple generations together in the room
with a focus on perinatal mental health, couples and families.
My work is grounded in attachment, polyvagal and Bowen theory with a strong
trauma informed approach. I aim to support clients to develop an understanding of
transgenerational patterns learnt in our family of origin and how they
show up in the present and continue to cause us distress and to be stuck.
I am an Accredited Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist
specialising in working with high conflict family relationships. My expertise is working
with the spectrum of family diversity with multiple generations together in the room
with a focus on perinatal mental health, couples and families.
My work is grounded in attachment, polyvagal and Bowen theory with a strong
trauma informed approach. I aim to support clients to develop an understanding of
transgenerational patterns learnt in our family of origin and how they
show up in the present and continue to cause us distress and to be stuck.
Are you and your partner feeling more like housemates than companions, struggling to connect, stuck in the same painful cycles, or living with a quiet disconnection no one else can see? Perhaps intimacy feels out of reach, or you’ve moved through relationships searching for closeness but never quite finding safety. If you’re wondering whether the bond can be restored, don’t wait until distance grows deeper. Whether you’re working on your relationship or exploring recurring patterns on your own, I’m here to walk alongside you. Reaching out takes courage, and you deserve the support to create the love you long for.
Are you and your partner feeling more like housemates than companions, struggling to connect, stuck in the same painful cycles, or living with a quiet disconnection no one else can see? Perhaps intimacy feels out of reach, or you’ve moved through relationships searching for closeness but never quite finding safety. If you’re wondering whether the bond can be restored, don’t wait until distance grows deeper. Whether you’re working on your relationship or exploring recurring patterns on your own, I’m here to walk alongside you. Reaching out takes courage, and you deserve the support to create the love you long for.
I work with individuals who feel something within them is asking to be heard—often showing up as anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, or disconnection. I support ADHD, autism, motherhood, trauma, and work with children (5+) and NDIS participants, including school-based sessions in primary and high school settings.
My person-centred, evidence-informed approach creates space to explore what’s beneath the surface, build emotional capacity, and move toward clarity, regulation, and self-trust.
If you’re feeling the weight of carrying it all alone, this is a space to slow down, be met fully, and begin finding your way forward.
I work with individuals who feel something within them is asking to be heard—often showing up as anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, or disconnection. I support ADHD, autism, motherhood, trauma, and work with children (5+) and NDIS participants, including school-based sessions in primary and high school settings.
My person-centred, evidence-informed approach creates space to explore what’s beneath the surface, build emotional capacity, and move toward clarity, regulation, and self-trust.
If you’re feeling the weight of carrying it all alone, this is a space to slow down, be met fully, and begin finding your way forward.
We all feel stuck sometimes, making sense of ongoing grief, loss, or life’s uncertainty. Do you want more time, freedom, to feel heard or to make sense of the 'right' next steps for you? You may want to feel you have work that is more meaningful, happier relationships, or to resolve current or past difficult experiences.
It would be a privilege to support you through the challenges and changes you are experiencing in your life, making sense of it together.
Therapy is a partnership of courage; a willingness to step into the unknown, to find a more satisfying way of living and understanding life and self.
We all feel stuck sometimes, making sense of ongoing grief, loss, or life’s uncertainty. Do you want more time, freedom, to feel heard or to make sense of the 'right' next steps for you? You may want to feel you have work that is more meaningful, happier relationships, or to resolve current or past difficult experiences.
It would be a privilege to support you through the challenges and changes you are experiencing in your life, making sense of it together.
Therapy is a partnership of courage; a willingness to step into the unknown, to find a more satisfying way of living and understanding life and self.
See more therapy options for Mornington
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Mornington
- Balnarring
- Cranbourne
- Dromana
- Frankston
- Frankston South
- Langwarrin
- Mount Eliza
- Mount Martha
- Red Hill
- Seaford
- Skye
- Somerville
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.