Sheila and Jasmine are both Level 2 trained in IFS. They are grateful to have been trained by Lead Trainers Kay Gardner and Cece Sykes, two of the better known pioneers in the field from the USA.
Both Sheila and Jasmine are a brief moment away from qualifying as IFS certified therapists, which requires a minimum of two years experience using the model, regular consultation with an IFS supervisor, an abundance of hours using the model and participation in extra trainings. As a fun fact, their incredible supervisor has worked with the likes of Bessel van der Kolk of 'The Body Keeps The Score' fame.
- Dr Richard Schwartz
What drew me to IFS?
‘No Bad parts’. That statement drew me to IFS. From there I learnt so much more and I continue to learn (and I love everything I learn). To move from a position within myself where I thought I had so much wrong with me that needed to be changed to the concept that I had no bad parts and just needed to understand them better was transformative and life changing for me both personally and professionally.
Professionally I struggled with the concept of encouraging people to ignore their feelings as well as with the idea that if you stopped drinking, using etc. you would solve the problem. In addiction, the step to drink, use drugs or whatever the addiction may be was just the last step, and I really wanted to get in as far back as I could in the first few steps of addiction for clients to see if change could be affected there.
It turns out that this approach isn't just for addressing addiction but for any pattern in our lives that causes concern. It's also about getting to know ourselves better and discovering hidden skills and talents by learning how to harness the positive intent of our internal protectors and parts, instead of letting them keep our 'exiles' tucked away. Now, I feel excited before each IFS session instead of dreading what might come up. I know it will provide me with more insight into who I am, helping me cultivate compassion and love for myself, and ultimately become the best and happiest version of myself.
What kind of therapist are you?
This is a difficult question to answer. I might approach it with what kind of a therapist I am not. I am not a therapist who seeks to apply a pathology to my clients. I am not a therapist who seeks to provide psychoeducation to my clients. I am not a therapist who looks to ‘fix’ something ‘broken’ in my clients. That leaves me with being a therapist who seeks to explore and support my clients to make meaning of what is happening in their world. I see myself as someone who has a compassionate curiosity and who offers guided support to my clients as, together, we find a way towards making meaning and achieving a space of balance and harmony within.
I can never know you better than you know yourself, however, my training and my own lived experience enables me to offer you professional and compassionate guided support as you navigate your way through different times in your life.
What drew me to IFS?
I stumbled upon IFS whilst searching for a model to support clients heal attachment wounding in adulthood – as I found attachment trauma to be at the root of psychological concerns for a myriad of presentations coming into the practice. How many of us received messages growing up that something about us was wrong, bad, shameful, or downright embarrassing? How often does that fragmentation of our true selves show up as anxiety, depression, eating habits and so on?
It made sense to me that when we took these messages on from a young age, we would hide those parts of ourselves, or adapt through survival responses and protective parts to ensure that no one really saw the true ‘us’. After years in the field, I had not yet found anything that truly resonated with myself and others to help those parts, to bring them back into harmony within and show them the love and appreciation they deserve - until IFS.
In my own inner work and support of others in theirs, I continue to deeply connect with the concept of the Self (the innate energy that has the ability to heal regardless of circumstance). Watching someone as they experience that Self-love for a part of themselves that was previously misunderstood as a ‘problem’, or something to be ‘fixed’ or diagnosed is truly inspiring. Like many before me, I interpret the Self as our true essence, our soul or authentic Self. In this way, IFS has the potential to become a model that not only helps us to literally find ourselves, the true energy we were before we took on every message and judgement thrown our way, but also to find connection with others, with nature, and with a deeper connection to something more.
What kind of therapist are you?
Leading with warmth and compassion, I am dedicated to helping clients cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves through a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit. I feel grateful to use such a unique and transformative model that can take clients deeper into themselves, versus one that peeks at the surface of their thoughts and behaviours.
It brings me so much joy to witness others as they connect with parts of themselves in a new and healing way. It is my hope that a community of individuals who have experienced that depth and wisdom within themselves can take that experience out into the world and create change on a greater scale.
We are searching for allied health professionals who are interested in providing innovative and compassionate care to our amazing clients.
If you are a Psychologist or Occupational Therapist, enquire below.
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