Internal Family Systems Sydney
Do you feel like you act or feel very different at different times? Behave or feel differently around different people? Or feel like a part of self is too controlling or out of control?
What is IFS Therapy?
Here are some of the main benefits of IFS:
Increased self-awareness
IFS can help people become more aware of their inner world and the different parts that make them up.
Reduced emotional reactivity
By understanding their parts, people can learn to manage their emotions in a healthier way.
Improved relationships
IFS can help people build better relationships with others by teaching them how to communicate and connect with compassion.
Greater sense of wholeness
IFS can help people feel more integrated and whole by bringing their different parts into harmony.
IFS achieves its benefits through a specific approach to working with the internal "parts" it identifies. Here's how:
Unburdening and De-blending
The therapist helps clients identify and differentiate their parts. Clients learn to separate the emotions and urges of their parts from their core “Self,” a calm and objective observer within. This reduces the feeling of being controlled by overwhelming emotions.
Building Self-Compassion
The therapist guides clients to develop compassion for their parts, even the “burdensome” ones. By understanding the reasons behind a part’s behavior, clients can approach them with kindness rather than judgment.
Dialogue and Negotiation
Through guided exercises, clients can enter into a dialogue with their parts. The therapist facilitates communication, allowing the parts to express their needs and concerns. This can lead to “unblending” from the part and reconnection with the Self.
Re-parenting Inner Parts
IFS helps heal from past wounds by addressing parts that may have developed due to unmet childhood needs. The therapist supports clients in offering these parts the nurturing and acceptance they may have lacked, fostering inner healing.
By working with these techniques, IFS helps clients manage their parts more effectively, leading to the benefits mentioned earlier: increased self-awareness, reduced emotional reactivity, improved relationships, and a greater sense of wholeness.
Find a IFS Therapist

Jono Derkenne
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Jono (He/Him) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.

Annabel Igoe
Social Worker, Psychotherapist & Yoga
Annabel (She/Her) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (BSW, MSW), Psychotherapist & Yoga Teacher.

Brooke Smith
Registered Psychologist
Brooke is a Psychologist with a background in the not-for-profit mental health and LGBTIQ health sectors.

Carli McIntyre
Occupational Therapist
Carli is a registered Occupational Therapist with 22 years’ experience in community & hospital mental health.

Chauncey Sjostedt
Gestalt Therapist
Chauncey (She/Her) is a dedicated healthcare professional with over ten years of experience
Understanding Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy offers a unique approach to mental health and wellbeing, blending evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of personal narratives. This method is relevant for those seeking innovative support, recognises the complexity of the human psyche and aims to harmonise internal conflicts. It’s a crucial step towards self-awareness and healing, guiding individuals through their journey with compassion and expertise.
What Is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a transformative and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that recognises the diversity of the mind. It suggests that the mind comprises various parts or sub-personalities, each with unique viewpoints and qualities. IFS focuses on healing by fostering self-leadership, allowing individuals to access their core Self, characterised by confidence, openness, and compassion. People can achieve greater harmony and psychological wellbeing by understanding and embracing these inner parts. IFS in Sydney is becoming a sought-after method for those seeking deeper self-understanding and emotional healing.
How Does Internal Family Systems Therapy Work?
IFS Therapy in Sydney operates on the principle that the mind is naturally multiple and that it’s possible to achieve mental balance by understanding and accepting this multiplicity. It involves identifying and engaging with various sub-personalities or ‘parts’ within oneself. These parts often carry the burdens of painful experiences, leading to inner conflict. Through IFS, individuals learn to access the ‘Self’, a core aspect characterised by compassion and curiosity, to lead and heal these parts. Examples include dialoguing with these parts to understand their roles and fears, thereby transforming them with the Self’s guidance, leading to profound internal healing and harmony.
Benefits of Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy provides a comprehensive approach to mental health, offering several benefits that support healing and personal growth. These benefits highlight the transformative potential of IFS Therapy, providing a path toward lasting mental health and wellbeing. Here are the key advantages:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: Gain deep insights into the various parts of your psyche and how they influence your feelings and behaviours.
- Improved Relationship Dynamics: By understanding your inner parts, you can improve your interactions and relationships with others.
- Effective Stress and Emotion Management: Learn strategies to manage difficult emotions and stress more effectively.
- Personal Empowerment: Foster a stronger sense of self-leadership and confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
- Trauma Resolution: Offers a safe and effective pathway for healing and integrating traumatic experiences.
Why Choose Internal Family Systems Therapy in Sydney?
Opting for Internal Family Systems Therapy in Sydney through Connecting Mental Health provides unique benefits:
- Access to Skilled Therapists: Work with psychologists and therapists who are experts in IFS, ensuring you receive knowledgeable and empathetic support.
- Personalised Therapy Sessions: Experience therapy adjusted to meet your individual needs and therapy goals.
- Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded people on similar journeys of self-discovery and healing.
- Comprehensive Care: Benefit from a holistic approach to therapy that addresses mental, emotional, and psychological health.
- Proven Techniques: Leverage the proven methods of IFS to facilitate profound, lasting changes in your life.
Personalised Approach to Healing
At Connecting Mental Health, we pride ourselves on our personalised approach to healing. Recognising that each individual’s journey is unique, we adapt our therapy sessions to align with your specific needs, circumstances, and goals. Our team of skilled psychologists and therapists listens closely, adapting techniques from a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including Internal Family Systems, to ensure the most effective treatment. This bespoke approach facilitates more profound understanding, lasting change, and a more meaningful path towards recovery and personal growth.
Long-Term Results and Lasting Change
We’re focused on immediate relief and fostering long-term results and lasting change. Our approach to therapy, including Internal Family Systems, is designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed for enduring mental health and wellbeing. By managing the root causes of emotional distress and facilitating deep internal healing, we help ensure that the improvements you experience are not just temporary fixes but fundamental shifts that enhance your life for years.
Contact Us for IFS Therapy in Sydney
Ready to start on a journey towards healing and self-discovery? S&B Connecting Mental Health is here to guide you with Internal Family Systems Therapy in Sydney. Trust us to support your path to mental wellness with a compassionate, skilled team and a personalised approach. Reach out today to learn how we can help you achieve lasting change and a more harmonious life. Contact us for IFS Therapy in Sydney and grab the first step towards a brighter, healthier future. Your healing journey begins here.
Connect with Connecting Mental Health Today
Initiate your path to wellness with Connecting Mental Health. Our doors are open for anyone seeking to transform their mental health landscape. With a range of evidence-based therapies, our dedicated team is ready to support your journey to a healthier, more balanced life. Explore our diverse therapy options:
- Acceptance Commitment Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation (EMDR)
- Gestalt Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Dialectic Behaviour Therapy
- Relationship Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
Trust us to find the approach that best suits your needs. Book a session with Connecting Mental Health today, and let’s take the first step together towards healing and growth. Your brighter tomorrow starts now.