On the homepage I give some examples of needs IFS works well for but I want to say a bit more and there are links and resources below.

Why try IFS?
The idea of ‘Self energy’ in Internal Family Systems includes qualities like the calm innate awareness of our connectedness with others and with nature.
Our temperament, personality, neurostyles and sexuality are core aspects of the self within this model and not anything that needs ‘fixed’.
However often the world around us is not always well suited or ‘tuned in’ to our uniqueness or we may not have had access to secure attachments well well regulated folk. So, we can gather parts of ourselves that are impacted by chronic stress as well as bigger or even life changing traumatic experiences. Those experiences can leave otherwise skilful, creative and playful parts of ourselves feeling squished. IFS seeks to explore & ‘unburden’ those parts

Although this idea of ‘parts work’ in therapy is not new and connects to cultural and shamanic traditions as well as older therapy approaches. However, IFS has developed an accessible and popular model with many books, videos, podcasts and resources aimed at everyday people (see links below to learn more about the inner roles like Protectors, Firefighters and Exiles). IFS has become one of the big paradigm shifts in trauma treatment along with things like EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic and Psychedelic assisted therapies as it uses the persons sense of their inner parts and their body and supports an inner dialogue with them just like family therapy does with a physical family group. In the same way a family working together might free up one person to not always be the naughty one or not always be the hardworking caretaker one we can do that for out inner landscapes with the aim of greater understanding & freedom for parts and ever growing connection to self energy.

Why work with me?
I have been on my own long journey of self discovery for many years and found that things like psychodrama and mindfulness were more helpful than some traditional talking therapies. After an assault I struggled and found IFS to be incredibly liberating from intense internal struggles and after a few years of work for myself I did the comprehensive training for professionals with the IFS Counselling Association in Toronto.

Professional Development
After a psychosocial undergrad degree in Edinburgh, I worked in addictions and then became a Mental Health Social Worker in Aotearoa New Zealand. Since then I have had a mix of clinical, leadership and governance roles published in supervision and support of health & social care staff.
I have used Psychoeducation, Dialectical, Cognitive Analytic & Internal Family Systems approaches with clients in Residential and NHS settings.
I also value creative action methods, different cultural and spiritual traditions and the special healing space of mindful, somatic & IFS approaches.

My Journey
After a decade in Christchurch, New Zealand and another in Edinburgh and a few years in Dunkeld, I’m back home in Falkirk, joyfully exploring
Celtic/nature spirituality, going for wild swims, enjoying a local boardgame group and being schooled by my three teenage nieces.

I’ve worked in addictions/mental health care since leaving school and learned SW, counselling & groupwork skills in an indigenous Māori environment in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Recent projects have included websites & training for Scottish Government facilitating staff wellbeing & supervision skills.

If you feel some of this resonates with you and will supports your needs, I look forward to offering space for your growth. For more info, see my FAQ page