Internal Family Systems (IFS) Counselling in Manchester

Photo of Inga Piotrowska, Psychotherapist, MRes, MBACP
Inga Piotrowska
Psychotherapist, MRes, MBACP
There is hope even if your brain tells you there isn't, and it is my job as a counsellor to help you see it. It is usually buried somewhere under layers of shame, self-criticism and feeling not good enough. We will work together to help you feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and control over your life. With the right support and tools, you can overcome challenges and lead a more balanced and satisfying life, even if now it seems impossible.
There is hope even if your brain tells you there isn't, and it is my job as a counsellor to help you see it. It is usually buried somewhere under layers of shame, self-criticism and feeling not good enough. We will work together to help you feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and control over your life. With the right support and tools, you can overcome challenges and lead a more balanced and satisfying life, even if now it seems impossible.
0161 524 5311 View 0161 524 5311
Photo of Kevin Tm Dennison, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MUKCP
Kevin Tm Dennison
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MUKCP
Kevin Dennison Integrative Psychotherapist • IFS Practitioner • EMDR Trained • NLP Psychotherapy • Executive Coach Kevin Dennison is an established Integrative Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience supporting adults through complex life challenges, emotional difficulties, and personal transformation.
Kevin draws from a rich blend of evidence-based modalities including EMDR, IFS (Internal Family Systems), NLP Psychotherapy, and a wide range of psychological assessments and psychometric tools. This integrative approach enables him to tailor therapy to each individual, helping them unravel long-standing patterns, process difficult experiences, and reconnect
Kevin Dennison Integrative Psychotherapist • IFS Practitioner • EMDR Trained • NLP Psychotherapy • Executive Coach Kevin Dennison is an established Integrative Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience supporting adults through complex life challenges, emotional difficulties, and personal transformation.
Kevin draws from a rich blend of evidence-based modalities including EMDR, IFS (Internal Family Systems), NLP Psychotherapy, and a wide range of psychological assessments and psychometric tools. This integrative approach enables him to tailor therapy to each individual, helping them unravel long-standing patterns, process difficult experiences, and reconnect
0161 524 0449 View 0161 524 0449
Photo of Dr Emma Santhouse, Psychologist, PsychD, AFBPSsS
Dr Emma Santhouse
Psychologist, PsychD, AFBPSsS
I bring to this space a breadth of contemporary clinical psychology approaches namely cognitive behaviour therapy and its various derivatives such as narrative exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, and compassion focused therapy approaches to name just a few, alongside an unswerving commitment to psychoanalysis.
I am a consultant clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in NHS adult mental health services. My remit is the full range of common and more complex mental health problems in adults over 18 years. This includes all the various forms of mood and interpersonal difficulties. So whether it is a sense for you of feeling hampered in living and / relating, or of reeling from experiences endured, or of an inchoate sense of feeling adrift that is hard to put into words or simply a desire to understand yourself more deeply, it may be worth committing to a space where you can think freely about yourself and the life you want.
I bring to this space a breadth of contemporary clinical psychology approaches namely cognitive behaviour therapy and its various derivatives such as narrative exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, and compassion focused therapy approaches to name just a few, alongside an unswerving commitment to psychoanalysis.
I am a consultant clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in NHS adult mental health services. My remit is the full range of common and more complex mental health problems in adults over 18 years. This includes all the various forms of mood and interpersonal difficulties. So whether it is a sense for you of feeling hampered in living and / relating, or of reeling from experiences endured, or of an inchoate sense of feeling adrift that is hard to put into words or simply a desire to understand yourself more deeply, it may be worth committing to a space where you can think freely about yourself and the life you want.
0161 524 9456 View 0161 524 9456
Photo of Nicole O'Neill, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Nicole O'Neill
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
2 Endorsed
I'm a Psychotherapist and Counsellor based in Manchester City Centre, offering both in-person and online sessions to meet you where you are. My approach is client-led and relational, providing a safe, non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, accepted, and supported. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can connect, see if we’re a good fit, and ensure my experience aligns with what you’re looking for. Clients often describe me as warm, grounded, and easy to talk to, someone who feels real, not clinical. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship that’s built on honesty, empathy, and authenticity.
I'm a Psychotherapist and Counsellor based in Manchester City Centre, offering both in-person and online sessions to meet you where you are. My approach is client-led and relational, providing a safe, non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, accepted, and supported. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can connect, see if we’re a good fit, and ensure my experience aligns with what you’re looking for. Clients often describe me as warm, grounded, and easy to talk to, someone who feels real, not clinical. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship that’s built on honesty, empathy, and authenticity.
07857 753439 View 07857 753439
Photo of Adam Laidler, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Adam Laidler
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Expecting to have some enjoyment and a sense of fulfilment in life is not a pipe dream – it’s your purpose and your right. If you’re like 99% of others, then you can’t quit your job and travel the world because a quote on social media told you that’s how to be happy. Life is tough, and things often get thrown our way that knock us sideways. You might even be waking up more than you’d care to asking: “what is the point in all this?”. Or maybe you feel stuck in a cycle, struggling to make changes in your life? You're not alone, and you don't have to feel this way.
Expecting to have some enjoyment and a sense of fulfilment in life is not a pipe dream – it’s your purpose and your right. If you’re like 99% of others, then you can’t quit your job and travel the world because a quote on social media told you that’s how to be happy. Life is tough, and things often get thrown our way that knock us sideways. You might even be waking up more than you’d care to asking: “what is the point in all this?”. Or maybe you feel stuck in a cycle, struggling to make changes in your life? You're not alone, and you don't have to feel this way.
0161 694 6338 View 0161 694 6338
Photo of Athina Patsoule, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Athina Patsoule
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Online Only
I am a psychologist and certified psychotherapist ECP, registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Strasbourg and I specialised in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations in Greece. Since 2010, I have been working privately and also collaborating with various public and private organisations, offering individual, couples and group counselling and psychotherapy as well as parenting counselling. I currently work online and I offer sessions in Greek, French and English.
I am a psychologist and certified psychotherapist ECP, registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Strasbourg and I specialised in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations in Greece. Since 2010, I have been working privately and also collaborating with various public and private organisations, offering individual, couples and group counselling and psychotherapy as well as parenting counselling. I currently work online and I offer sessions in Greek, French and English.
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Photo of Oliwia Poddana, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Oliwia Poddana
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
I use a combination of parts work ( IFS) and somatic psychotherapy (Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor) techniques for mind-body-soul healing.
If you are going through a tough time in your life, a lot of emotions are coming up right now, and it all feels a little overwhelming - my heart goes out to you. The hardest step is often reaching out for support and I am honoured you are considering working together. Having a dedicated space to be heard, explore our inner world and past experiences in a compassionate space can offer clarity and healing. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you where the masks can drop, your authenticity can emerge and you feel supported in slowly reconnecting to the wisdom within.
I use a combination of parts work ( IFS) and somatic psychotherapy (Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor) techniques for mind-body-soul healing.
If you are going through a tough time in your life, a lot of emotions are coming up right now, and it all feels a little overwhelming - my heart goes out to you. The hardest step is often reaching out for support and I am honoured you are considering working together. Having a dedicated space to be heard, explore our inner world and past experiences in a compassionate space can offer clarity and healing. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you where the masks can drop, your authenticity can emerge and you feel supported in slowly reconnecting to the wisdom within.
0161 524 6680 View 0161 524 6680
Photo of Liam Aaron Firth, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Liam Aaron Firth
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Implementing models such as Holistic PEMS and Internal Family Systems in an accessible way can serve us on a range of life issues, such as confidence, health, achieving goals, anxiety, depression, personal issues and many, many more.
Hi there. As a therapist, I offer a safe place to explore a wide range of personal and private issues in confidence. I believe that people suffer unnecessarily due to a lack of education on the purpose, function and management of the mental and emotion parts of ourselves. I want to bridge the gap between those that have studied and those that have struggled with mental health. I am here to support you in your journey by offering a friendly, impartial and philosophical yet practical perspective, to assist you in understanding what may be going on and to devise and tailor a way to healing and happiness.
Implementing models such as Holistic PEMS and Internal Family Systems in an accessible way can serve us on a range of life issues, such as confidence, health, achieving goals, anxiety, depression, personal issues and many, many more.
Hi there. As a therapist, I offer a safe place to explore a wide range of personal and private issues in confidence. I believe that people suffer unnecessarily due to a lack of education on the purpose, function and management of the mental and emotion parts of ourselves. I want to bridge the gap between those that have studied and those that have struggled with mental health. I am here to support you in your journey by offering a friendly, impartial and philosophical yet practical perspective, to assist you in understanding what may be going on and to devise and tailor a way to healing and happiness.
0161 524 9164 View 0161 524 9164
Photo of Rizwan Rashid, Counsellor, MBACP
Rizwan Rashid
Counsellor, MBACP
Our past and present are intimately linked by our memories. Our memories are heavily influenced and based on feelings we had surrounding an event or experience. These experiences may be impacting your life right now, even the ones that might seem irrelevant or insignificant. If we don't become aware of this connection it will keep affecting our future, which over time can cause us stress. Prolonged stress can manifest itself in physical forms, including illness, lack of energy, problems with sleep, headaches, depression and anxiety. When you are mentally healthy you are able to handle life's challenges.
Our past and present are intimately linked by our memories. Our memories are heavily influenced and based on feelings we had surrounding an event or experience. These experiences may be impacting your life right now, even the ones that might seem irrelevant or insignificant. If we don't become aware of this connection it will keep affecting our future, which over time can cause us stress. Prolonged stress can manifest itself in physical forms, including illness, lack of energy, problems with sleep, headaches, depression and anxiety. When you are mentally healthy you are able to handle life's challenges.
0161 696 8396 View 0161 696 8396
Photo of Sue Casey, Counsellor, BACP
Sue Casey
Counsellor, BACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My role is to guide you out from living in the past and to re-decide a better future. This is your story and now is the beginning. It is never too late to choose a different path towards a more positive outcome.
My role is to guide you out from living in the past and to re-decide a better future. This is your story and now is the beginning. It is never too late to choose a different path towards a more positive outcome.
0161 524 6405 View 0161 524 6405
Photo of Calvin Lui, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Calvin Lui
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I help people create healthy relationships. Are you struggling in relationships? If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. I help people navigate through difficult relationships, discover communication and attachment style.
I help people create healthy relationships. Are you struggling in relationships? If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. I help people navigate through difficult relationships, discover communication and attachment style.
01254 963629 View 01254 963629
Photo of Krista Mavrohannas, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Krista Mavrohannas
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Maybe you’re holding it together on the outside, but inside it feels like too much. It might be anxiety, depression, past trauma, ADHD, or patterns in relationships or with self-worth that feel hard to shift. You don’t need to explain it all perfectly, just somewhere to start. I’m a BACP-registered therapist offering a person-centred, trauma-informed space to go at your pace. You’ll be met with empathy, honesty, and respect. People often come to me feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure where to begin. Over time, you can start to feel more settled, more like yourself again, and like things are a little easier to face.
Maybe you’re holding it together on the outside, but inside it feels like too much. It might be anxiety, depression, past trauma, ADHD, or patterns in relationships or with self-worth that feel hard to shift. You don’t need to explain it all perfectly, just somewhere to start. I’m a BACP-registered therapist offering a person-centred, trauma-informed space to go at your pace. You’ll be met with empathy, honesty, and respect. People often come to me feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure where to begin. Over time, you can start to feel more settled, more like yourself again, and like things are a little easier to face.
0161 524 9432 View 0161 524 9432
Photo of Tracey Whalley, Counsellor, MBACP
Tracey Whalley
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I am trauma focused, attachment focused and IFS informed.
Sometimes life experiences can become overwhelming and feel too much to cope with. This can lead to us to feeling worthless, vulnerable and isolated. Sometimes we need somebody who will listen to us without judgement to help us work through things to lead to a better understanding of ourselves and our experiences and sometimes just hold our hand whilst we sit in that darkness.
I am trauma focused, attachment focused and IFS informed.
Sometimes life experiences can become overwhelming and feel too much to cope with. This can lead to us to feeling worthless, vulnerable and isolated. Sometimes we need somebody who will listen to us without judgement to help us work through things to lead to a better understanding of ourselves and our experiences and sometimes just hold our hand whilst we sit in that darkness.
0161 509 6726 View 0161 509 6726
Photo of Gisela Ramirez, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Gisela Ramirez
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Are you struggling with fear, intrusive distressing thoughts, avoidance and generally not living the life that you want? Or are you low, hopeless, self critical and isolating yourself? I can help with these and other mental health difficulties through challenging your thoughts and making some changes to your current behaviours. CBT can also help with improving self-esteem and with overcoming phobias and past trauma. EMDR therapy is a powerful intervention for PTSD and trauma, new studies have also shown its effectiveness with anxiety disorders &grief
Are you struggling with fear, intrusive distressing thoughts, avoidance and generally not living the life that you want? Or are you low, hopeless, self critical and isolating yourself? I can help with these and other mental health difficulties through challenging your thoughts and making some changes to your current behaviours. CBT can also help with improving self-esteem and with overcoming phobias and past trauma. EMDR therapy is a powerful intervention for PTSD and trauma, new studies have also shown its effectiveness with anxiety disorders &grief
0161 850 5871 View 0161 850 5871
Photo of Andrea Sarah Lawton, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Andrea Sarah Lawton
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
People access therapy for many different reasons, but generally we are most likely to reach out for help when our usual coping strategies are no longer effective. At these times it is not always helpful or possible to turn to family or friends, and their well-meaning support may not always help. I will provide a calm and confidential space where you will be able to safely share what is troubling you.
People access therapy for many different reasons, but generally we are most likely to reach out for help when our usual coping strategies are no longer effective. At these times it is not always helpful or possible to turn to family or friends, and their well-meaning support may not always help. I will provide a calm and confidential space where you will be able to safely share what is troubling you.
0161 543 0659 View 0161 543 0659
Photo of Charlotte Kimbley, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Charlotte Kimbley
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
3 Endorsed
Do you struggle with anxiety, imposter syndrome or low mood? Comparing yourself negatively to others, fearing rejection if you are your authentic self, or make a mistake. You may have always felt this way, stemming from painful experiences in your past. Or has something happened more recently that has changed your sense of self? Maybe you are starting to identify as ADHD, AuDHD or ASC, and you're trying to make sense of your life story from this new perspective. Therapy is a safe and supportive space to explore your difficulties at your pace, develop new strategies, regain confidence whilst reconnecting with what you value and enjoy
Do you struggle with anxiety, imposter syndrome or low mood? Comparing yourself negatively to others, fearing rejection if you are your authentic self, or make a mistake. You may have always felt this way, stemming from painful experiences in your past. Or has something happened more recently that has changed your sense of self? Maybe you are starting to identify as ADHD, AuDHD or ASC, and you're trying to make sense of your life story from this new perspective. Therapy is a safe and supportive space to explore your difficulties at your pace, develop new strategies, regain confidence whilst reconnecting with what you value and enjoy
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Photo of Philipp C. Berkovits, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Philipp C. Berkovits
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
I integrate trauma-focused therapies including EMDR, an evidence-based psychotherapy for trauma and PTSD, and Internal Family Systems ( IFS), which promotes healing through self-compassion and connection with inner parts.
I specialize in childhood trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety and autism. 8 years of clinical experience as well as professional and personal-development have helped me become more skilled and more effective at helping my clients achieve the state of mental well-being they’re seeking.
I integrate trauma-focused therapies including EMDR, an evidence-based psychotherapy for trauma and PTSD, and Internal Family Systems ( IFS), which promotes healing through self-compassion and connection with inner parts.
I specialize in childhood trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety and autism. 8 years of clinical experience as well as professional and personal-development have helped me become more skilled and more effective at helping my clients achieve the state of mental well-being they’re seeking.
0161 524 1364 View 0161 524 1364
Photo of Jocelyn Harvey, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Jocelyn Harvey
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in EMDR (including Flash technique), Person Centred Therapy, CBT, The Rewind Technique for PTSD, IFS & EFT (tapping).
I started my counselling training over 15 years ago and have years of experience working with people who are striving to understand themselves and these complicated lives that we are all living. I will never get over how much courage it takes to reach out for help at a time of crisis and I am always blown away at the strength and resilience of the human mind. I believe that we all have the potential to grow & heal and that counselling works to facilitate this process. Counselling is for everyone. Not just those who may consider themselves to be in an extreme crisis. I treat each client as an individual working with your unique needs
I am trained in EMDR (including Flash technique), Person Centred Therapy, CBT, The Rewind Technique for PTSD, IFS & EFT (tapping).
I started my counselling training over 15 years ago and have years of experience working with people who are striving to understand themselves and these complicated lives that we are all living. I will never get over how much courage it takes to reach out for help at a time of crisis and I am always blown away at the strength and resilience of the human mind. I believe that we all have the potential to grow & heal and that counselling works to facilitate this process. Counselling is for everyone. Not just those who may consider themselves to be in an extreme crisis. I treat each client as an individual working with your unique needs
0161 509 6114 View 0161 509 6114
Photo of Dan Owens-Cooper, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Dan Owens-Cooper
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
So often clients' unhelpful experiences of therapy are attributed to their therapist being "silent", "difficult to connect with" or (at worst) "like a brick wall". The psychologically informed, dedicated and authentic experience I deliver requires me to be active, present and, primarily, something resembling an authentic human being whom I hope you will trust and feel at ease with. You will have the time and space to talk (without awkward silences!) and where desired, I can share with you knowledge/theory acquired from 10 years clinical experience, to help us collaboratively explore, enlighten and enhance your lived experience.
So often clients' unhelpful experiences of therapy are attributed to their therapist being "silent", "difficult to connect with" or (at worst) "like a brick wall". The psychologically informed, dedicated and authentic experience I deliver requires me to be active, present and, primarily, something resembling an authentic human being whom I hope you will trust and feel at ease with. You will have the time and space to talk (without awkward silences!) and where desired, I can share with you knowledge/theory acquired from 10 years clinical experience, to help us collaboratively explore, enlighten and enhance your lived experience.
01707 954051 View 01707 954051
Photo of Julia Sus, Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Julia Sus
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Online Only
If you find yourself feeling stuck, confused, unhappy or unfulfilled and want to begin to move away from these feelings, I am here to help. The aim of my work is to assist you in gaining mental and emotional clarity by exploring blocks you might be experiencing in now, and finding a root cause of why and when this block was formed. Life gets overwhelming and having time to explore your feelings, frustrations and desired outcomes is crucial in finding happiness and building meaningful relationships. Mental wellbeing is the key ingredient towards life satisfaction, so make the first step and take care of you.
If you find yourself feeling stuck, confused, unhappy or unfulfilled and want to begin to move away from these feelings, I am here to help. The aim of my work is to assist you in gaining mental and emotional clarity by exploring blocks you might be experiencing in now, and finding a root cause of why and when this block was formed. Life gets overwhelming and having time to explore your feelings, frustrations and desired outcomes is crucial in finding happiness and building meaningful relationships. Mental wellbeing is the key ingredient towards life satisfaction, so make the first step and take care of you.
07707 533406 View 07707 533406

See more therapy options for Manchester

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Counsellors
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.