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INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS

We have multiple parts within. One might want us to just 'be happy' yet another part just can't seem to lift itself out of depression. Our aim is to work with the part that most needs your attention right now, and help to uncover what feelings need to be processed, before we can go to the burden it's protecting. We learn to listen and act from our True Self, and separate these parts which cover our true self, so we can hear exactly how to heal, through a compassionate and welcoming ear. There is no blame, just an honouring of the protective role these parts play, and what's needed for it to step back so healing can begin.

Core Principles:

Giving Space to Heal Internally

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What if your pain wasn’t all of you — just a part of you asking to be heard?


Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps you gently meet the inner parts of you that hold fear, shame, anger, or grief — not to fix or fight them, but to understand them. These parts formed for good reasons: to protect you, to help you survive. But now, they may be stuck in patterns that no longer serve you.
As an IFS therapist, I guide you inward — not by telling you who you are, but by helping you listen to yourself in a way you've never been taught.

 

Together, we create a safe inner space where healing naturally unfolds.
IFS doesn’t label you. It honours your complexity. And it leads you home — to a calm, compassionate core Self that’s never been broken, just buried.
Your healing doesn’t lie in effort — it lies in inner connection. Let’s begin.

 TAKE THE NEXT STEP

and email me at hello@liveaspiritedLife.com

© 2020. 

“I’ve struggled with low-confidence and anxiety most of my adulthood. These things have been real inhibitors in feeling like I can show up as my true, authentic self, particularly in professional spaces.

Working with Elaine has been an incredibly gentle, organic process of release and deep exploration.

What I loved most was this approach to understanding the many unique parts of myself, which helped to break down the confusion I often experienced at not understanding what was going on inside me.

This journey felt safe, natural and authentic, and I feel far more comfortable to take a breath and step back to acknowledge what’s going on, internally and externally.

I would highly recommend working with Elaine for anyone who has struggled with a sense of confusion, and is curious to explore things from a deeply intuitive and organic approach.”

M.H. (Auckland) 2025

“Working with Elaine has been transformative. She brings such a professional, kind, and deeply considered approach to every session.

Her ability to read between the lines, noticing what was  coming from the head vs heart, created a space where the sides of me, had space to be fully seen and understood.

My sessions were cathartic, unlocking or uncovering emotions and more understanding of my own operating system.

Elaine’s compassion and thoughtful questions allowed me to open up in ways I hadn’t before. I’m so grateful for the experience and the growth I’ve gained from working with her.

Thank you, Elaine.

A.H. (NZ) 2025

Working with Elaine was life-changing. Here’s my journey…

Before therapy I came to Elaine after suffering severe burnout and unimaginable loss. Within two months, I lost both my mother and my sister-in-law, two anchors in my life. This followed years of 70+ hour workweeks, leading a Covid response team, supporting my husband through a breakdown, and losing my brother during lockdown.

By March 2023, I collapsed. I left my job in October with no backup plan, mentally and emotionally depleted. I couldn’t even string a sentence together.

Elaine helped me uncover parts of myself I’d mistaken for strength. What I thought was resilience was actually my manager and protector selves shaped by past trauma. Her approach was gentle but deeply intuitive.  

From our very first session, something shifted. I woke up the next morning feeling calm, connected, and reassured. It was as if an inner voice whispered, “You’re going to be okay.” Doubt crept in later that day, but, unlike before, it vanished. That was new. That was healing.

I’m now more attuned to my inner world. When uncertainty arises, I can identify which part of me is speaking. I’ve learned to thank these parts for showing up. They’ve always been there. I just hadn’t noticed. Now, I honour them.

At work, when self-doubt creeps in, I pause and ask: “Did I achieve what I set out to?” I’ve stopped chasing impossible standards and started recognising the value in what I do.

What's changed? I’ve found clarity and a sense of inner peace. I sit with discomfort, unpack it, and move forward with intention. The weight has lifted. My soul feels lighter.

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For anyone considering therapy, you won’t regret it. Elaine’s approach is gentle, intuitive, and deeply effective. She knows how to guide you inward, to help you explore, heal, and become a better version of yourself.​

B.W.

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