Internal Family Systems (IFS) Counselling in Preston, VIC
Hi there, I’m Madeline McKenzie, an accredited mental health social worker and founder of Sit with Self Counselling.
I’m the right therapist for you if you’re a millennial 'good girl' who’s spent your life suppressing your emotions, needs, and desires to meet others' expectations. If perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-doubt have left you stuck in burnout and inauthenticity, I can help. Together, we’ll work to shed the 'good girl' conditioning so you can step into your power, feel seen, valued, and free to express your true self.
Hi there, I’m Madeline McKenzie, an accredited mental health social worker and founder of Sit with Self Counselling.
I’m the right therapist for you if you’re a millennial 'good girl' who’s spent your life suppressing your emotions, needs, and desires to meet others' expectations. If perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-doubt have left you stuck in burnout and inauthenticity, I can help. Together, we’ll work to shed the 'good girl' conditioning so you can step into your power, feel seen, valued, and free to express your true self.
I take a relational, trauma informed approach and draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches as a part of this process including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, somatic psychotherapy and internal family systems.
My training in clinical psychology combined with my interest in somatic work and Eastern philosophies allows me to work with the whole person, blending both clinical and experiential approaches. I believe this holistic approach deeply supports the clients I work with to attain lasting change and growth in their lives. I have over 15 years of experience supporting adults and teenagers suffering with distress and use a holistic approach that looks at a persons unique life experiences and strengths to support them to move towards healing.
I take a relational, trauma informed approach and draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches as a part of this process including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, somatic psychotherapy and internal family systems.
My training in clinical psychology combined with my interest in somatic work and Eastern philosophies allows me to work with the whole person, blending both clinical and experiential approaches. I believe this holistic approach deeply supports the clients I work with to attain lasting change and growth in their lives. I have over 15 years of experience supporting adults and teenagers suffering with distress and use a holistic approach that looks at a persons unique life experiences and strengths to support them to move towards healing.
From 2003, Chiu has worked with autistic people and their families. Since then, she's developed proficiency treating and supporting clients across the lifespan experiencing trauma, chronic pain & fatigue, loss & grief, anxiety & mood disorders and minority stress (eg. Autistic, ADHD, medically disabled, culturally diverse and trans & gender questioning persons).
Clients describe Chiu as thorough, efficient, down-to-earth, and practical. She works with a strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centred lens, offering a no-BS, affirming approach grounded in evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
From 2003, Chiu has worked with autistic people and their families. Since then, she's developed proficiency treating and supporting clients across the lifespan experiencing trauma, chronic pain & fatigue, loss & grief, anxiety & mood disorders and minority stress (eg. Autistic, ADHD, medically disabled, culturally diverse and trans & gender questioning persons).
Clients describe Chiu as thorough, efficient, down-to-earth, and practical. She works with a strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centred lens, offering a no-BS, affirming approach grounded in evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
I have a strong desire to support LGBTQIA+ people from an Asian background who struggle with intergenerational trauma. They might have faced a lot of hardship growing up, especially finding themselves within the intersectionality of being Asian, LGBTQIA+ and possibly an immigrant/first/second-generation. They might want to know where they fit and how they can find like-minded people. Those are the people I am passionate supporting.
I have a strong desire to support LGBTQIA+ people from an Asian background who struggle with intergenerational trauma. They might have faced a lot of hardship growing up, especially finding themselves within the intersectionality of being Asian, LGBTQIA+ and possibly an immigrant/first/second-generation. They might want to know where they fit and how they can find like-minded people. Those are the people I am passionate supporting.
Internal Family Systems ( IFS) is Raquel’s main therapeutic approach, guiding clients to better understand the different parts within them; the parts that try to keep everyone happy, the ones that feel exhausted, or carrying old pain.
Raquel is a registered counsellor with a passion for supporting individuals to navigate life’s challenges and patterns that keep them feeling stuck. She works with adults and young people experiencing difficulties in relationships - whether with partners, family, coworkers, or themselves. Raquel has experience supporting clients through themes such as conflict, communication issues, people-pleasing, boundaries, and self-worth, as well as anxiety, grief, and the lingering impacts of past trauma. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and compassion.
Internal Family Systems ( IFS) is Raquel’s main therapeutic approach, guiding clients to better understand the different parts within them; the parts that try to keep everyone happy, the ones that feel exhausted, or carrying old pain.
Raquel is a registered counsellor with a passion for supporting individuals to navigate life’s challenges and patterns that keep them feeling stuck. She works with adults and young people experiencing difficulties in relationships - whether with partners, family, coworkers, or themselves. Raquel has experience supporting clients through themes such as conflict, communication issues, people-pleasing, boundaries, and self-worth, as well as anxiety, grief, and the lingering impacts of past trauma. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and compassion.
I am a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about supporting individuals of all ages and walks of life. I specialise in helping those who feel overwhelmed by past trauma, struggle with emotional regulation, or face challenges such as grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship and attachment difficulties. Many of my clients are also navigating neurodiversity, existential questions, or working to change intergenerational patterns. Together, we focus on healing, restoring a sense of control, building emotional awareness, and fostering self-compassion and healthy boundaries.
I am a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about supporting individuals of all ages and walks of life. I specialise in helping those who feel overwhelmed by past trauma, struggle with emotional regulation, or face challenges such as grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship and attachment difficulties. Many of my clients are also navigating neurodiversity, existential questions, or working to change intergenerational patterns. Together, we focus on healing, restoring a sense of control, building emotional awareness, and fostering self-compassion and healthy boundaries.
My therapeutic work is informed by the following approaches: Internal Family Systems Model, Art Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I am passionate about exploring how traumatic experiences and attachment patterns impact on our mental health, sense of well-being and life decisions. I have a strong interest in mind-body connection and integrating cognitive, emotional, somatic, and creative techniques to facilitate healing and growth.
My therapeutic work is informed by the following approaches: Internal Family Systems Model, Art Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I am passionate about exploring how traumatic experiences and attachment patterns impact on our mental health, sense of well-being and life decisions. I have a strong interest in mind-body connection and integrating cognitive, emotional, somatic, and creative techniques to facilitate healing and growth.
If you’re facing anxiety, low mood, perfectionism, trauma, relationship challenges, or low self-esteem, you don’t have to face it alone. You may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life and simply want to feel understood and supported. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we can make sense of what you’re feeling and why. From there, we recognise your strengths, build resilience, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence. I take a neuro-affirming approach, tailoring therapy to your unique needs, values, and lifestyle.
If you’re facing anxiety, low mood, perfectionism, trauma, relationship challenges, or low self-esteem, you don’t have to face it alone. You may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life and simply want to feel understood and supported. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we can make sense of what you’re feeling and why. From there, we recognise your strengths, build resilience, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence. I take a neuro-affirming approach, tailoring therapy to your unique needs, values, and lifestyle.
Every person I work with is treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This means looking beyond people's current condition, situation or diagnosis to also consider their broader life-history, including how current symptoms may have been shaped by early life experiences. I believe that everybody, no matter how complex or challenging their situation, circumstances or life experiences, when provided the right support has within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and resilience.
Every person I work with is treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This means looking beyond people's current condition, situation or diagnosis to also consider their broader life-history, including how current symptoms may have been shaped by early life experiences. I believe that everybody, no matter how complex or challenging their situation, circumstances or life experiences, when provided the right support has within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and resilience.
Do you frequently worry that your romantic partner won’t care about you as much as you care about them? Or that they won't love you for who you are or be there for you if you open up to them? If you're hoping to feel safe, loved, and accepted in your relationship or friendships, but you can never find people who make you feel this or you never give them the chance to do so, you likely have an attachment issue. I specialise in working with insecure attachment styles, working to help clients find security in a relationship for the first time and to develop a healthier, kinder view of themselves.
Do you frequently worry that your romantic partner won’t care about you as much as you care about them? Or that they won't love you for who you are or be there for you if you open up to them? If you're hoping to feel safe, loved, and accepted in your relationship or friendships, but you can never find people who make you feel this or you never give them the chance to do so, you likely have an attachment issue. I specialise in working with insecure attachment styles, working to help clients find security in a relationship for the first time and to develop a healthier, kinder view of themselves.
I am an accredited EMDR therapist and Medicare recognised Clinical Social Worker.
Off late, you may have noticed emotions and thoughts continue to rule your life, and no matter how hard you try, it never feels 'good enough'. You find yourself stuck in the cycle of 'wanting to please others' while feeling unseen and unheard. You now know that your anxiety and need for control is no longer serving you. You want to start honouring yourself and your needs, even when if it feels hard.
I am an accredited EMDR therapist and Medicare recognised Clinical Social Worker.
Off late, you may have noticed emotions and thoughts continue to rule your life, and no matter how hard you try, it never feels 'good enough'. You find yourself stuck in the cycle of 'wanting to please others' while feeling unseen and unheard. You now know that your anxiety and need for control is no longer serving you. You want to start honouring yourself and your needs, even when if it feels hard.
In particular, the way Internal Family Systems ( IFS) comes more alive when meeting the edges of Somatic Experiencing and Focusing, and how a Narrative reauthoring can be an embodied experience.
I’m a queer non-binary trans person, a fully certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with SE International and a master's qualified social worker. I have 20+ years' experience providing casework and advocacy within Community Services (Disability, HIV/AIDS, Youth, AOD, Prison Abolition & LGBTIQA+). I'm also a counsellor in a community health organisation supporting LGBTIQA+ communities. I have a deep interest in complex relational & social, collective trauma and use a somatic approach that includes an awareness of the physiological & emotional impacts of oppressive systems on marginalised people.
In particular, the way Internal Family Systems ( IFS) comes more alive when meeting the edges of Somatic Experiencing and Focusing, and how a Narrative reauthoring can be an embodied experience.
I’m a queer non-binary trans person, a fully certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with SE International and a master's qualified social worker. I have 20+ years' experience providing casework and advocacy within Community Services (Disability, HIV/AIDS, Youth, AOD, Prison Abolition & LGBTIQA+). I'm also a counsellor in a community health organisation supporting LGBTIQA+ communities. I have a deep interest in complex relational & social, collective trauma and use a somatic approach that includes an awareness of the physiological & emotional impacts of oppressive systems on marginalised people.
I am a curious counsellor who can hold space for all clients. I work with clients who are ready to explore their current circumstances from a compassionate and curious perspective. I use an empathic and calm approach, collaboratively and eclectically using different modalities that suit the client best. It is important to me to create a safe and comfortable space for clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. I am passionate about promoting my client’s well-being by supporting them in discovering tools to navigate their challenges. I do this through variety of mediums that empower my client at each session.
I am a curious counsellor who can hold space for all clients. I work with clients who are ready to explore their current circumstances from a compassionate and curious perspective. I use an empathic and calm approach, collaboratively and eclectically using different modalities that suit the client best. It is important to me to create a safe and comfortable space for clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. I am passionate about promoting my client’s well-being by supporting them in discovering tools to navigate their challenges. I do this through variety of mediums that empower my client at each session.
This is Zain, BNurs , BParamedicS, MCouns&Psy. I’m a registered counsellor with PACFA, who works with both adults and adolescents. I employ a person-cantered approach to therapy whilst also implementing other therapeutic intervention techniques. During therapy I aim to understand each individual and the personal circumstances that surround their life. My main focus is to provide a safe space that allows clients to feel comfortable when expressing themselves, ultimately allowing me to understand their perspective and encouraging positive change in their life. Common therapy techniques I use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
This is Zain, BNurs , BParamedicS, MCouns&Psy. I’m a registered counsellor with PACFA, who works with both adults and adolescents. I employ a person-cantered approach to therapy whilst also implementing other therapeutic intervention techniques. During therapy I aim to understand each individual and the personal circumstances that surround their life. My main focus is to provide a safe space that allows clients to feel comfortable when expressing themselves, ultimately allowing me to understand their perspective and encouraging positive change in their life. Common therapy techniques I use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Influenced by Psychodynamic, IFS, Narrative, Depth Enquiry (EMDR), Gestalt, and EFT, Kat tailors her methods to each client's unique needs.
Kat is a clinically registered psychotherapist specialising in trauma-informed individual therapy for adults. Approaching her clients with a focus on understanding rather than labelling or diagnosing, Kat believes in delving into each individual's unique story with a nonjudgmental curiosity. With a distinctive mix of humour and warmth, she establishes a secure environment for clients to explore their inner and outer worlds with vulnerability.
Influenced by Psychodynamic, IFS, Narrative, Depth Enquiry (EMDR), Gestalt, and EFT, Kat tailors her methods to each client's unique needs.
Kat is a clinically registered psychotherapist specialising in trauma-informed individual therapy for adults. Approaching her clients with a focus on understanding rather than labelling or diagnosing, Kat believes in delving into each individual's unique story with a nonjudgmental curiosity. With a distinctive mix of humour and warmth, she establishes a secure environment for clients to explore their inner and outer worlds with vulnerability.
I'm an accredited Medicare registered therapist (AMHSW) with rebates available. I work with trauma, anxiety, mental health issues, grief and loss. I am highly experienced in the area of complex trauma and have a deep understanding of the ways this impacts everyday life and connections. Around trauma, I work both somatically and with talk therapy. I offer a safe and accepting space for members of the LGBTIQ+ community, providing support and understanding around issues such as coming out, gender identity, dysphoria and exploring sexual orientation. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to work in a person-centred holistic way.
I'm an accredited Medicare registered therapist (AMHSW) with rebates available. I work with trauma, anxiety, mental health issues, grief and loss. I am highly experienced in the area of complex trauma and have a deep understanding of the ways this impacts everyday life and connections. Around trauma, I work both somatically and with talk therapy. I offer a safe and accepting space for members of the LGBTIQ+ community, providing support and understanding around issues such as coming out, gender identity, dysphoria and exploring sexual orientation. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to work in a person-centred holistic way.
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
His work draws on Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems, PACT couples therapy, somatic approaches, and integration of psychedelic and ritual-based experiences.
Sam (he/him) is a relational Gestalt therapist working with adults and older teens. His approach is grounded and warm, offering a steady presence for people who feel emotionally disconnected, stuck, or unsure how to make sense of their experience. With a focus on self-compassion and awareness, Sam supports clients to explore what’s been hard to hold alone and build a more authentic connection with themselves and others.
His work draws on Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems, PACT couples therapy, somatic approaches, and integration of psychedelic and ritual-based experiences.
Sam (he/him) is a relational Gestalt therapist working with adults and older teens. His approach is grounded and warm, offering a steady presence for people who feel emotionally disconnected, stuck, or unsure how to make sense of their experience. With a focus on self-compassion and awareness, Sam supports clients to explore what’s been hard to hold alone and build a more authentic connection with themselves and others.
Through IPT, IFS, psychodynamic and traditional approaches, Anastasia explores their inner world, relational dynamics, and past experiences to bring insight, emotional relief, and self-connection.
Anastasia's extends to the intricate interplay between psychological well-being and various facets of life. Anastasia offers a warm, thoughtful space to explore emotions, patterns, and relationships. Anastasia helps clients build self-awareness, navigate life changes, and feel more grounded, connected, and confident in themselves.
Through IPT, IFS, psychodynamic and traditional approaches, Anastasia explores their inner world, relational dynamics, and past experiences to bring insight, emotional relief, and self-connection.
Anastasia's extends to the intricate interplay between psychological well-being and various facets of life. Anastasia offers a warm, thoughtful space to explore emotions, patterns, and relationships. Anastasia helps clients build self-awareness, navigate life changes, and feel more grounded, connected, and confident in themselves.
EMDR Therapy - Nueroaffirming - Trauma-informed - LGBTQIA+ Safe Space.
Christine (MCounsPsych) supports anxious, burnt-out professionals to understand and overcome their blocks to wellbeing. Christine works holistically to address root causes of your challenges by weaving together her grounding in psychological science and counselling with other modalities, thereby expanding treatment options & allowing them to be tailored to the individual. She creates a safe and compassionate space where clients feel they are a person beyond their symptoms.
EMDR Therapy - Nueroaffirming - Trauma-informed - LGBTQIA+ Safe Space.
Christine (MCounsPsych) supports anxious, burnt-out professionals to understand and overcome their blocks to wellbeing. Christine works holistically to address root causes of your challenges by weaving together her grounding in psychological science and counselling with other modalities, thereby expanding treatment options & allowing them to be tailored to the individual. She creates a safe and compassionate space where clients feel they are a person beyond their symptoms.
See more therapy options for Preston
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Preston
- Alphington
- Brunswick
- Brunswick East
- Bundoora
- Clifton Hill
- Coburg
- Coburg North
- Fairfield
- Fitzroy North
- Northcote
- Reservoir
- Thornbury
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.