You will never speak to anyone more than you speak to yourself in your own head. Be kind to yourself” – author unknown
Sarah Owen is a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practitioner (Level 1). She completed her Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy training under the guidance of Mary Kruger, through the Centre for Self-Leadership. Sarah offers mentoring sessions based on the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy at her private practice in Sydney.
ABOUT IFS THERAPY
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy model is a way to understand your own inner-system (including the mind and your emotions) and assist it in the process of transformation and healing. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is based on the premise that there is an undamaged, resourceful ‘Self’ that is the very essence of each person and that accessing and working with that ‘Self’ is a safe, effective way to hold space and compassionately witness other parts of the mind which may have experienced trauma and be continuing to hold some beliefs or burdens that keep them ‘stuck’ in the past. Contemplative traditions throughout history have given various names to this inner essence that IFS calls ‘Self’ – Soul, Higher Self, Ground of Being, Essence Nature, Atman, Divine Spirit (to name just a few). Internal Family Systems (IFS) work can create a relationship of secure attachment between a person’s Self and their ‘parts’ in their own inner-system. The IFS Model represents a new synthesis of two already-existing paradigms: systems thinking and the multiplicity of the mind.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A SESSION
Sessions follow the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, and can include talk-based modalities, therapeutic yoga or breathwork, externalisations and mapping of parts, as well as therapeutic art applications. Each session is individualised to suit the needs of the client and their intention for working within their own ‘inner system’.
An Internal Family Systems (IFS) session with Sarah is guided by the client’s intuitive inner-system, fully supported and informed by the structure of the IFS model, and contained in a compassionate therapeutic space. Sarah uses the IFS model to create a safe ‘holding space’ for stories to be witnessed with respect and compassionate presence. As we are able to meet ourselves with honest, clear seeing, our inner-system feels lighter, less crowded, and with more possibility in life. As the inner-system begins to release long-held burdens, there is a feeling of inner transformation, limitless potential, and more alignment with our truer ‘Self’.
HOW TO BOOK A SESSION AND TO FIND OUT MORE
Send a message to Sarah via the Contact form on this website.
“She’s an explorer, unafraid to travel within her heart and mind; Ready to discover new places to heal – releasing burdens and planting wisdom wherever her awareness takes her” – Yung Pueblo
RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Centre for Self Leadership: https://selfleadership.org/about-internal-family-systems.html
Internal Family Systems in Australia: http://www.internalfamilysystemstrainingaustralia.com.au/
Michelle Glass, creator of Daily Parts Meditation Practice: https://www.thelisten3r.net/about-ifs.html
Valerie Martin, LCSW, RYT: https://www.recoverywarriors.com/why-your-eating-disorder-is-actually-not-your-enemy/
Lissa Rankin, MD: https://lissarankin.com/internal-family-systems-ifs/
Richard Schwartz – founder of the Centre for Self Leadership, and creator of the Internal Family Systems model:
“A person who is leading with the Self is easy to identify. Others describe such a person as open, confident, accepting — as having presence. They feel immediately at ease in a Self-led person’s company, as they sense that it is safe to relax and release their own Selves. Such a person often generates remarks such as, “I like him because I don’t have to pretend — I can be myself with him.” From the person’s eyes, voice, body language, and energy, people can tell they are with someone who is authentic, solid, and unpretentious. They are attracted by the Self-led person’s lack of agenda or need for self-promotion, as well as his or her passion for life and commitment to service. Such a person doesn’t need to be forced by moral or legal rules to do the right thing. He or she is naturally compassionate and motivated to improve the human condition in some way because of the awareness that we are all connected.” – Dick Schwartz, creator of the Internal Family Systems Therapy model
Simon D’Orsogna, therapist, teacher-facilitator, and systems-oriented coach:
“Founded by Richard Schwartz, PhD., the Internal Family Systems model (IFS), is a cutting edge psychotherapy approach that offers therapists a non-pathological conceptual framework for understanding the human psyche. IFS respectfully guides people toward lasting and profound transformation. IFS applies family systems principles and techniques to working with inner parts of the person. It is widely used internationally in the treatment of trauma and severe diagnoses, as well as a wide variety of psychological issues and non-clinical applications such as business consulting and meditation practice. IFS offers therapists a way to make their practice more enjoyable and effective, and less effortful. It also helps them find and heal parts of themselves.
SAMHSA has recently added IFS to the US National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, rating it as “effective for improving general functioning and well-being,” and “promising for each of: improving phobia, panic, and generalized anxiety disorders and symptoms; physical health conditions and symptoms; personal resilience/self-concept; and depression and depressive symptoms.” -Simon D’Orsogna
