IFS Informed Counselling
What is IFS?
IFS is a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of different “parts”. These parts are not the whole of who you are. They are aspects of you that have taken on specific roles over time, often shaped by life experiences, stress, or relationships.
Alongside these parts, IFS recognises the Self. Self is your natural capacity for calm, curiosity, compassion, clarity, confidence, courage, creativity, and connection. The aim of IFS is not to get rid of parts, but to help Self become the steady leader inside, so parts no longer need to work so hard or react so strongly.
What IFS informed counselling can help with
IFS informed counselling can be helpful if you notice patterns such as:
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Feeling emotionally overwhelmed, reactive, or shut down
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Harsh inner criticism, perfectionism, or chronic self-doubt
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Anxiety that feels hard to settle, even when you understand it logically
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People-pleasing, over-functioning, or difficulty with boundaries
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Procrastination, avoidance, or feeling stuck despite good intentions
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Shame, loneliness, or a persistent sense that something is wrong with you
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Repeating relationship patterns, even when you “know better”
IFS can be particularly supportive for neurodivergent adults and for people who feel they have spent years analysing themselves but still do not feel settled or at ease.
What an session looks like…
IFS informed sessions are collaborative and paced carefully. We work with what is present for you in the moment, rather than forcing change or digging where it does not feel safe.
Sessions typically involve:
1. Slowing things down and noticing what is happening right now, including thoughts, emotions, and body sensations
2. Identifying the part that is most active or noticeable
3. Creating some space from that part so you can relate to it, rather than feel taken over by it
4. Gently exploring what the part is trying to do for you, what it is concerned about, and what it needs
5. Strengthening self-leadership so you experience more choice, steadiness, and internal trust over time
This work is not about fixing yourself. It is about building an internal relationship that allows change to happen with more ease and less self-judgement. Allowing you to be less reactive and to lead your own inner system with greater compassion, clarity, and self trust.
Is IFS counselling right for you?
IFS informed counselling may be a good fit if you want to:
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Understand your inner world without shame
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Feel less hijacked by emotions and more grounded in yourself
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Develop greater self-leadership and internal trust
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Soften harsh self-talk and inner conflict
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Improve relationships by changing what happens inside you first
If you are unsure whether this approach is right for you, we can talk it through and decide together what would be most helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Is this like hypnosis or guided meditation?
No. IFS is a structured, collaborative counselling approach. It is conversational and relational. You remain fully aware and in control throughout the session. We work with attention, emotions, and body cues in a grounded and practical way.
Do I need to understand “parts” or use specific language?
No. We use everyday language and move at your pace. The focus is on your lived experience, not on learning terminology or doing the process “right”.
Will I have to talk about my childhood or past trauma?
Only if and when it feels relevant and safe. Many sessions focus on present-day triggers and patterns. We follow what your system is ready for rather than forcing insight.
What if I feel overwhelmed or emotional during a session?
That is very common and we work carefully with pace and safety. A core part of IFS-informed work is learning how to create enough space so emotions can be felt without becoming overwhelming.
Can IFS help with anxiety and self-criticism?
Yes. IFS is particularly helpful for understanding anxious, critical, or perfectionistic patterns and relating to them with more compassion, which often reduces their intensity over time.
Is this suitable if I am neurodivergent?
Many neurodivergent clients find IFS helpful because it does not rely on forcing change or positive thinking. The approach adapts to how your brain works and prioritises regulation and self-understanding.
How long does IFS-informed counselling take?
This varies. Some people notice shifts quite early, while others prefer slower, deeper work over time. We regularly check in about what feels helpful and adjust accordingly.
Your Inner System
Learning to work with the different parts of yourself
Many people experience an inner struggle. One part wants to move forward with something important, while another part avoids or procrastinates. Later, another part may criticise or judge.
You might recognise parts such as the inner critic, the perfectionist, the procrastinator, or the part that becomes overwhelmed and escapes through scrolling, binge eating, or distraction.
This program introduces a gentle approach that is IFS-informed and based on the Internal Family Systems model, helping you understand and work with the different parts of yourself with curiosity and compassion.
Over eight sessions you will begin building a relationship with your inner system and develop practical ways to work with the parts that influence your thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
Over 8 Sessions you will:
- Learn how to recognise the different parts of yourself.
- Understand the role of protective parts such as perfectionism, overthinking, self-criticism, or the parts that avoid, distract, or shut down when things feel overwhelming.
- Develop the ability to step back from overwhelming thoughts and emotions
- Begin building a compassionate relationship with your inner world
- Learn practical ways to continue this work between sessions
For some people the work may include gently connecting with younger or more vulnerable parts if their system feels ready.
What the program includes
- 8 individual counselling sessions
- An Inner System Workbook (PDF) with exercises and reflections
- Short guided audio practices to support your inner work between sessions
- Sessions scheduled weekly or fortnightly.
The program is designed to be completed within 16 weeks to maintain continuity and momentum.
Who this program may suit
- People who experience strong self-criticism or self-doubt
- People who notice internal conflict such as motivation versus avoidance
- People who feel stuck in patterns such as procrastination or perfectionism
- People who want to understand their emotional reactions and patterns more deeply
- People curious about Internal Family Systems and parts work
Program Fee
The program includes 8 individual sessions, an Inner System Workbook, and guided audio practices
$1290
Payment Plan: 8 session payments of $165
If you’re curious about whether this program might suit you, please book a complimentary chat.
I can answer any questions and explore whether the program feels like a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your Qualifications?
I’m an ADHD Coach and Registered Counsellor (Australian Counselling Association) who specialises in working with adults and couples impacted by ADHD and neurodivergence.
As a coach, I’m credentialed by both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC), holding PCC and CACP certifications. I completed my ADHD-specific coach training through MentorCoach (USA) and have logged over 2,000 hours working with individuals and couples impacted by ADHD.
In my counselling work I have a particular interest in relationships and couples. I’ve completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 2), Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy (ATSIP Level 1), the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, and Relational Life Therapy.
I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my work. My training includes a range of experiential programs, including IFS Institute training in working with neurodivergence and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO), which applies IFS principles to couples therapy. I continue to deepen this work through ongoing consultation, continued professional development, and my own personal IFS therapy.
Alongside my professional training, I also bring lived experience. My husband, daughter, and brother have ADHD, and many of my family members and friends are neurodivergent. While I am not diagnosed with ADHD myself, I have my own experiences of navigating traits and challenges that overlap with neurodivergence.
These personal connections deepen my understanding and empathy for the experiences many of my clients bring into our work together.
Do I need to have a formal diagnosis?
Not at all! You don’t need a formal ADHD diagnosis to benefit from coaching. Since ADHD presents differently in everyone, I tailor my approach to suit you—your unique needs, circumstances, and goals.
I’m happy to work with people who suspect they might have ADHD, are in the process of seeking a diagnosis, or simply identify with some ADHD-like traits. Together, we’ll focus on practical strategies to help you thrive.
Do you work with couples?
Yes, I do—this is an area I specialize in. ADHD can place significant strain on relationships, and having a skilled professional to mediate and foster understanding can make a world of difference.
As a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, I have completed Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapy Clinical Training, bringing a research-based approach to my work with couples. In addition, I have trained in multiple modalities, including the Developmental Model, Relational Life Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS & IFIO) and Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy (ATSIP) Level 1, allowing me to take an integrative approach tailored to each couple’s needs.
My work focuses on improving communication, managing conflict, building emotional regulation skills, and strengthening emotional connection. I also support couples in their parenting journey, helping them align their parenting styles and goals to create a more cohesive and supportive family dynamic.
Do you work with children?
In my experience as coaching is goal-oriented and self-directed, I have found for children it is better to work with the parent assisting them to then work with their child.
Teens however can find coaching very empowering. Teens are going through the process of individualisation and therefore usually highly value the need to be autonomous. Coaching can be a powerful way for them to have their desire for independence met while still getting the support and guidance they often need.
Having said that, working with teens is not my area of specialty.
Do you offer Face to Face sessions?
At this time I am not able to offer face to face sessions.
What if I am not happy with the coaching experience?
Coaching is a collaborative process, if you feel you are not getting value from the experience then you are welcome to cancel. If you have paid for a package a refund can be organised for the unused portion.
What are your Fees?
My current rate is
$165 per session for individuals including GST
$189 per session for couples including GST
Hi, my name is Rachel Daldry (PCC, CACP, DipCouns), ADHD Coach and Counsellor.
I am an ADHD Coach and Couples Counsellor, helping people work with their brain to create the life they want to live.
My journey with ADHD began in 2017 when my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 8. This led me to explore ADHD, brain science, and psychology.
I began by supporting others who were feeling overwhelmed, something I understood deeply myself. That experience sparked a desire to help people move from feeling defeated to feeling more empowered, and led me to train as a coach in 2021.
As my work grew, I noticed that many of the challenges clients faced were also showing up in their relationships, particularly with their partner. This led me to further my training as a registered counsellor, so I could support both the individual and the relationship.
I now work with adults with ADHD and couples, helping them find their flow, work through challenges, and build more connected, sustainable relationships.
My approach combines practical coaching with deeper therapeutic work, supporting clients to learn strategies while also understanding and shifting the patterns that drive their reactions.
As a Registered Counsellor, I have a strong interest in working with couples and have trained in a range of approaches, including Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 2), Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy (ATSIP), Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I also have a particular interest in Internal Family Systems (IFS), which supports clients to better understand themselves and shift long-standing patterns.
I am an International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentialed coach and a Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC) credentialed ADHD coach.
I prioritise ongoing professional development, as I believe no single approach suits every person or situation.
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