Internal Family Systems Therapy
A compassionate, Self-led approach to healing and lasting change
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a gentle, evidence-based, trauma-informed approach that helps you understand and heal your inner world. At the heart of IFS is the belief that we all have a core Self — a state of calm, clarity, curiosity, and compassion — and that healing occurs when our Self takes the lead.
Coping and Survival
Many people come to therapy because they feel stuck in patterns like avoidance, overthinking, people-pleasing, perfectionism, anger, or self-criticism. In IFS, these beliefs and behaviours are understood as protective parts that developed for good reasons, often earlier in life. While these protective parts have positive intentions, they often backfire and cause unnecessary pain and suffering.
Compassionate Self-Healing
Protective parts can help us to manage and cope, but only Self-energy can heal deeper emotional wounds. In therapy, I act as a guide — helping you slow down, build self-awareness, and relate to your inner experience in a new way. You remain in control of the process. From a Self-led place, wounded parts carrying fear, shame, grief, or loneliness can be met with genuine compassion, allowing old emotional burdens to be safely released.
Restoring Balance
This approach often involves a radical shift from pushing harder or avoiding difficult feelings toward turning inward with kindness. As Self-leadership strengthens, your internal system naturally restores balance. Clients often experience greater emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and a deeper sense of meaning in their lives.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
- Rumi
⭐ FAQS
What happens in the first session?
In our first session, we’ll explore what brought you here and what you’d like to change or understand about your life. You can share at whatever pace feels right for you. Together, we’ll begin to get a sense of the parts of your experience that feel most present or in need of care.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
IFS is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps you understand the different “parts” of your inner world—such as protectors, critics, or younger wounded parts—and connect with your core Self, which is naturally calm, compassionate, and capable of leading your healing.
For a more detailed description of Internal Family Systems, please refer to the section above on this page.
How does IFS work in sessions?
In session, we slow down and turn inward. You won’t need to analyse or perform. Instead, we gently explore the parts of you that feel stressed, overwhelmed, reactive, or shut down. As these parts feel safer and more understood, they begin to soften, allowing deeper healing to take place.
Where do sessions take place?
I offer in-person sessions in my North Sydney office, which looks out onto a peaceful garden. If you prefer, we can also work together online via Zoom.
How often should we meet?
Many people begin with weekly sessions and gradually move to fortnightly or monthly as their internal system becomes more stable and self-led. We make these decisions collaboratively.
How long is each session, and how much does it cost?
90 minutes
• Online: $170
• In-person: $210
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is confidential, and I follow the ethical guidelines of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is necessary. You’re welcome to book directly.
Do you offer health fund rebates?
Yes. Health fund rebates are available through Medibank, HCF, ahm, and ARHG.
Are you trained in Internal Family Systems?
Yes. I am a Level 2 trained IFS therapist, and IFS is at the heart of my work with trauma, emotional patterns, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
How do I get started?
The best way to begin is with a free intro call where we can talk through your needs, answer any questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.
