IFS Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
IFS is a highly effective, non-pathologising, and evidence-based psychotherapy for restoring emotional well-being.
“Oliver uses IFS to gently shepherd my parts toward healing. He can sensitively tune in and be 'with' me on my journey. Sometimes, he asks surprising but totally relevant questions, and I find this skill amazing. He is also able to sit very quietly and supportively with me when that is needed. I really like that IFS is a person-centered therapy, and there is no interpretation of what might or might not be going on for me; It is all about my process. I recommend Oliver as an outstanding therapist.”
- Margo, IFS Client July 2023
A 5-minute video introducing the IFS model and giving a short example of parts work in IFS therapy.
Goals of IFS Therapy
“Oliver has a nice and gentle approach that created a space for me to feel safe about being fully open. He took me through a journey of understanding myself more deeply, we navigated through different parts and I was shocked when I realised they are all indeed serving a purpose that I couldn’t see before. I totally recommend him. Thank you, Oliver.”
— Alex, IFS Client
Access Self-energy
Build relationships between Self and parts
Discover wounded parts
Release the burdens (extreme beliefs and emotions) of wounded parts
Restore harmony and balance to the internal system
Become Self Led
What to expect?
Online Sessions
Oliver hosts sessions online via Zoom. The length of an IFS session is 90 minutes.
Fees
90 Minute IFS Session - $225 GST Inclusive
Person-Centered Experience
Oliver will create a safe space where you will feel held and supported. He holds a non-judgemental attitude and will connect with you as you are.
Commitment to clients
Oliver knows that to take his clients through the process of healing, he must walk beside them. Oliver is committed to his own personal healing journey as an IFS client, committing to regular IFS therapy. He also commits to regular supervision with an IFS consultant individually and in a group setting. Oliver integrates the IFS model into his day-to-day life and spiritual practices.
The IFS Theory of Personality
Multiplicity - We have a plural mind made up of many sub-personalities IFS calls parts
Systems thinking - Our parts form an internal system of connected relationships similar to a biological system such as the organs of the body
The roles of parts - Parts have three main roles in the internal system - Exiles, Managers and Fire-fighters
Polarization - In the absence of Self leadership parts rule the system, as one part takes over a person’s system other parts become more extreme to counter it. A relatable behavioral example of this is pleasing everyone in your family and then resenting them for it.
The Self - Every internal system has a seat of consciousness The Self when a person is unblended from their parts they can access Self Energy
Self Energy - has qualities such as love, compassion, confidence, inner peace, clarity, and a meta-perspective
Self-Leadership - When a person’s system is led by their Self they feel confident, have high feelings of worth and are able to differentiate from their parts, hear from them, acknowledge their emotions, and take in multiple conflicting perspectives without feeling distressed
“I came to IFS and Oliver through recommendations by a trusted friend. I am so very glad I arrived here. IFS (Internal Family Systems) is an extraordinarily kind and deep process for unlocking complex survival patterns. There are issues I have worked over and over in numerous other methodologies and therapies throughout the decades, and I find IFS to be gentle and artfully effective. A lot of that has to do with Olly.
As a guide and therapist, Oliver is profoundly respectful. His manner is transparent, authentic, gentle, and insightful. As someone who has studied and participated in many different modalities and worked with multiple professionals worldwide, I can say I have felt totally supported by the expertise, experience, and loving kindness that Olly has brought to our work together. After all that, if you are searching for support to heal, clarify, and transform aspects of yourself and your life, I encourage you to explore working with Olly.”
— Caroline, IFS Client
What happens in an IFS session?
Insight: Exploring Your Internal World
In IFS, insight is a key process for understanding your inner world, connecting with your parts, and accessing Self-energy. This gentle, focused exploration helps you uncover the root of emotions, behaviors, and patterns. Insight, or inner sight, is a form of interoceptive awareness - an inward journey connecting with your internal world.
How Insight Works
Guided by your therapist or arising spontaneously during a session.
Typically involves closing your eyes and focusing somatically, emotionally, or cognitively.
Begins by noticing "trailheads"—physical sensations, images, emotions, thoughts, or urges that represent your parts.
Helps map your internal system and deepen your connection with Self.
For example, if anger feels uncontrollable, you might be guided to focus on where and how you experience it in your body, uncovering the part behind it and its needs.
Mapping out parts
Horizontal Exploration of Your Inner World
It all begins with horizontal exploration of your inner world. What is the lay of your internal landscape. Which parts are there? How do they manifest and relate to one another? We call this mapping out parts. Many sessions are spent getting to know our protective parts and building a Self to part relationship.
How Mapping Works
A horizontal exploration of your internal system to identify and understand your parts.
Focuses on how parts manifest and relate to one another.
Often begins with protective parts, fostering a Self-to-part relationship.
Creates a clear map of your internal landscape, laying the foundation for deeper healing and transformation.
This process allows you to gain clarity and compassion for your inner system, helping you work with your parts more effectively.
Going Deeper
Vertical Exploration of Your Inner World
As your protective parts build trust in your Self and your therapists Self, you can go deeper into your inner system to uncover and heal vulnerable parts they protect.
How Going Deeper Works
Protective parts relax when they trust your Self, allowing deeper exploration.
Focus shifts to understanding the roles of protective parts and who they guard—such as a wounded inner child or your heart.
With their permission, you can connect with these vulnerable parts and help them release burdens of extreme beliefs and emotions.
This process fosters profound healing and transformation by addressing the roots of your system’s struggles.