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Internal Family Sysyems (IFS)

Understand the different parts of you

Part of you may want to move forward, while another part feels anxious, protective, or unsure. You might understand why something is happening, yet still find yourself repeating the same patterns.

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Internal Family Systems, often shortened to IFS, offers a compassionate way of understanding these experiences.

 

Rather than seeing anxiety, self-criticism, people-pleasing or avoidance as something that is wrong with you, IFS helps us become curious about why these parts of you may have developed in the first place.

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

IFS is based on the idea that we all have different “parts” within us. These parts often develop to help us cope, protect us from emotional pain, or manage difficult experiences.

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You may recognise:

  • A critical part that pushes you to do better

  • An anxious part that worries about what could go wrong

  • A people-pleasing part that struggles to say no

  • A part that wants to avoid difficult feelings

  • A younger, more vulnerable part that carries hurt or sadness

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IFS helps us understand these parts with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgement.

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What Can IFS Help With?

Many people find IFS helpful because it offers a gentle way to understand themselves. Rather than fighting against difficult thoughts, feelings or behaviours, we begin to explore what they may be trying to communicate.​ IFS may help with:

  • Anxiety and overwhelm

  • Low self-esteem

  • Self-criticism

  • People-pleasing

  • Difficulty setting boundaries

  • Relationship difficulties

  • Trauma and difficult life experiences

  • Shame

  • Emotional overwhelm

  • Repeated patterns that feel hard to change

How I Use IFS

I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 and may draw on this approach where it feels helpful within our work together.You do not need any prior knowledge of IFS before we begin.

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Like all aspects of my work, I tailor therapy to you as an individual, drawing from different approaches depending on what feels most supportive for you.

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We take things at your pace, and you are free to decide what feels right for you as we go.

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I have worked with Kate for just under a year now.  When I first started counselling I didn't realise how much I needed it and had no idea how much these sessions would positively impact my life. Kate has an amazing ability to listen and use her knowledge to ask guided and thought provoking questions. She is professional and has an approachable manner which allows you to build great client rapport. I would recommend Kate to anyone; she is so fantastic :) 

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Anon, Female 24

Alexa Young, CA

What Clients Say

What Happens Next?

Get in touch for a free 30 minute consultation. We'll use that time to explore what's brought you here, how I work, and whether we feel like a good fit. If we decide to work together, I'll walk you through the practicalities and we'll find a rhythm that suits you - weekly, fortnightly, or occasional sessions.

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