Emma E. Redfern

Online Psychotherapy Services

based in Honiton, Devon


CALL 07970 893778
CONTACT ME BY EMAIL

Emma E. Redfern

BACP Senior-Accredited Psychotherapist & Internal Family Systems Therapy Professional

About me

Welcome, and thank you for visiting.

With over 20 years' experience as a psychotherapist, I am a passionate advocate for personal growth, self-discovery and healing. With an emphasis on self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-expression, I have worked for over a decade with clients and therapists navigating the transformation that IFS brings.

My IFS journey includes editing Internal Family Systems therapy: Supervision and Consultation (Routledge), authoring Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Companion for Therapists and Practitioners (Routledge), and co-editing with Helen Foot of the multi-author book Freeing Self: IFS Beyond the Therapy Room (B. C. Allen Publishing Group). I am also co-host with Gayle Williamson of the podcast for IFS professionals, Purely IFS with Emma and Gayle.

In my next book I bring the powerful principles and practices of IFS to a wider audience. Using line drawings, bullet points, candid self-disclosure, case studies and journal prompts, this is an approachable and authoritative book ideal for newcomers to IFS. Those familiar with IFS will also find much to love and learn from as I bring a curious take on familiar concepts and practices. It is never to late to embrace more of who you are and live with greater clarity, balance, and self-compassion. Internal Family Systems: Making a Start (and Getting Curious) is available for pre-order now.

I am not taking on new referrals, nor do I run a waiting list at present.

Ethical and professional practice

I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework and the BACP Professional Conduct Procedure. A new Ethical Framework was formally adopted on 1st July 2018 and can be found online here. To make a complaint, BACP has a professional conduct procedure, please click here to begin that process.


Emma E. Redfern Online Psychotherapy Services offers Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, supervision/consultation, and CPD. Emma E. Redfern identifies as an Internal Family Systems therapist, supervisor, editor and author.


Redfern Psychotherapy Services is based in Honiton, EX14, less than 20 miles from Exeter (EX14), Devon, UK.


Search for this website using IFS Internal Family Systems therapy supervision consultation psychotherapy IFS editor Devon.


Author photo credit: Rosie Parsons and her Exeter-based team

Internal Family Systems Therapy and Consultation

Internal Family Systems therapy is a comprehensive and transformative therapy approach arising out of systems thinking and multiplicity of mind. Devised by Richard C. Schwartz, the IFS model conceives of inner parts and a Self that is just below or beyond the parts. Creating inner Self-to-part relationships and working with one’s parts IFS-style, brings transformational healing and increased Self-leadership. A virtuous cycle occurs of more access to Self and Self's healing qualities and nature. The IFS paradigm offers a way of relating to oneself and others which is non-pathologising, empowering and transformative. IFS brings greater self-understanding, self-acceptance, inner harmony, personal growth and trust in Self-leadership; in the IFS model all parts are welcome.


Click here to read Dr. Schwartz’s article “The Larger Self”, his first-hand account of how he developed and uses IFS and its extraordinary, transformative effect for him personally and for his clients.

This book is the first dedicated to the supervision and consultation of Internal Family Systems therapy. It features 14 chapters by 16 authors (14 from the US and 2 from the UK), including an interview with the founder, Richard C. Schwartz, as well as an introduction by Martha Sweezy. It is a stimulating, challenging, and encouraging read for supervisees and supervisors alike and anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of IFS.

Available for purchase, a 1.5-hr recording in which the editor talks about her journey editing this book and writing her book on conscious transitioning to IFS: Two Psychotherapist Writers in Conversation with Karin Brauner and Emma Redfern.

“This book is a must read for any IFS therapist who seeks a deeper understanding of IFS therapy. Each author highlights their unique background and specialties, thoroughly demonstrating how to empower therapists by supporting their access to their Self-energy and fostering their confidence by helping them build the necessary skill sets. It is very practical and filled with examples of the IFS principles in practice. Additionally, this book helps readers appreciate the multiplicities existing in each o us (client, therapist, and supervisor), and how our systems are interconnected ... It is a strong affirmation of the humanity of the IFS practice.”

Dr. HeaKyung Kwon, DA, NCPsyA, Psychoanalyst, IFS supervisor and Korea IFS training organizer

“When I picked up [this book], I was not expecting to be as deeply impacted as I was by its contents. I am an IFS trainer and have been supervising for a long time and have thought about the role a lot. But I was delightedly surprised by all Redfern's book taught me. It contains multiple gifts for an IFS therapist in considering Internal Family Systems and supervision. You don't need to know the IFS model to learn loads in this book. Though you can't help but learn how the IFS model enriches clinical and relational thinking. ... All the chapters are jewels of learning to be mined. It is interesting how many similar themes appear in IFS supervision: particularly working with therapist parts, unblending, the U-turn, and the importance of trust in Self. What's fun is that individual topics influence details of how to proceed. I am deeply grateful to Emma for her own unifying chapter with an elegant model and decision tree regarding how to proceed with supervisor/therapist parts, learning from "stuckness," and the power of Self. The book offers lots of information to an experienced IFS therapist and a novice.”

Sarah B. Stewart, Psy.D., PLLC, IFS Lead Trainer

"I love this book! It's full of much needed guidance for those interested in supervision from an IFS perspective. Many of the finest IFS supervisors thoughtfully apply models, principles, and practices to a range of client issues and populations. The overarching theme of cultivating Self-energy within the supervision process is skillfully addressed from multiple perspectives. I highly recommend this book to not only IFS supervisors but anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of IFS."

Paul Ginter, Ed.D., IFS Senior Lead Trainer

“For anyone giving or receiving IFS consultation (and especially those relatively new to it) Internal Family Systems Therapy: Supervision and Consultation is certain to be a rich and welcome resource for many parts. Managers receive helpful conceptualization and new ideas; firefighters have the opportunity to see themselves reflected and normalized in the cases (all parts are welcome, even in consultation); and exiles may feel soothed by the warmth of Self emanating from its authors. Like a good IFS consultation session, I left feeling validated, inspired, and more aware of new trailheads and potential blind spots to explore.”

Risa Adams, MD, Certified IFS Therapist. Approved Clinical Consultant, and Assistant Trainer Mentee

Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy

published on 27 April 2023

independent book review here


This book is a guide to resolving common areas of confusion and stuckness often experienced when facilitating the transformational potential of the IFS model. Real-life clinical as well as autobiographical material is used, together with insights from the developer Richard C. Schwartz and other lead trainers and professionals. Featuring reflective and practical exercises, therapists and practitioners (those without a foundational therapy training) are encouraged to get to know and attend to their own inner family of parts, especially those who may be struggling to embrace the new modality. Endnotes provide and direct the reader to core IFS teaching, while reflective statements showcase glimpses of the experience of professionals on their own journey of transition.

See CPD Opportunities re a 1.5-hr recording of the workshop & book launch.

"IFS is a radically different paradigm from most other psychotherapies. So many new IFS therapists struggle to fully understand the new concepts and fully embrace the new techniques. Emma Redfern is an accomplished IFS therapist who has years of experience helping therapists to make this transition. In this book, she has distilled the lessons from that experience into practical tips and exercises. She has also borrowed IFS wisdom from me and many IFS trainers and offers all of this in a very readable and relatable package. If you're struggling at all with becoming an IFS therapist, Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy is for you."

Richard C. Schwartz, founder of the model

"Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy is a book for all. Emma's inclusive style brings a deeper understanding of IFS to practitioners from a non-counselling background. She guides the reader to a deeper understanding of the methodology, making IFS accessible and real. She answers the 'why' so that you can adapt and take IFS to your own organisations and communities. It's like learning to play music by ear when you have previously only played off the script."

Helen Telford, certified IFS practitioner

and leading independent management consultant

working across Australia and New Zealand

"Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy is a welcome addition to the IFS literature, filling a void for therapists and practitioners making this sometimes challenging transition. With refreshing clarity, Redfern demystifies common and predictable dilemmas and potential barriers ... The reader is encouraged to remember they are training in a new modality from a position of competence and ability ... There are many examples from Redfern's own practice that help to normalize the challenges of this type of transition and offer ongoing compassion to parts of the therapist and practitioner who may get polarized during their journey. The book will be a very compelling companion and an invaluable resource to be returned to many times."

Ann E. Drouilhet, LMFT, LICSW, AAMFT-approved supervisor and certified IFS therapist and co-lead trainer for IFIO

"As the IFS model spreads throughout the world, offering the possibility of healing and transformation to the wounded and burdened parts of us all, I believe that this book is a resource that may make it easier for therapists and practitioners to transition not just to competently incorporating the perspective and techniques of this model, but also to increasingly embodying Self. Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy is a valuable contribution to the field."

Alexia D. Rothman, PhD, IFS educator

and therapist (from the Foreword)

Freeing Self: IFS Beyond the Therapy Room

An Amazon #1 bestseller in paperback on the day of publication Friday 27 October, 2023


Now available as an Audiobook via Audible.

Non-amazon e-book also available.

This book showcases how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model is being used in setting beyond the therapy room in New Zealand, the US, Australia, and the UK and Europe. These settings include intuitive drawing groups, online with groups of black men, at the nutritionists and physiotherapists, in yoga classes, and at summer camp. The book highlights the impact of IFS, and even a little IFS goes a very long way, when working with a multiplicity of issues: decision-making, intimate partner betrayal, gender and sexual identity, money burdens, and legacy, cultural and unattached burdens, body tensions and holding, as well as struggles around food and the body. The contributors details their unique experiences of combining aspects of IFS with their passion or purpose in life, and of sharing the model with professional colleagues.

"In the past decade my dream has been to expand IFS beyond the confines of psychotherapy and bring it to other fields, issues, and marginalized populations. I feel so blessed that the editors and authors of this wonderful book are playing a big role in making that dream come true by inspiring others to bring Self-energy to areas outside the therapy room."

Richard C. Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems Model

"With IFS as the central core ingredient. Helen and Emma have put together a rich and varied feast that inspires and intrigues. Freeing Self: IFS Beyond the Therapy Room is a celebration of the versatility and universality of the IFS model and stands also as a testimony to the heart, passion, and creativity of the chapter authors who generously share their stories and ideas about applying IFS beyond the therapy room. There's much here for anyone interested in IFS to savour and enjoy."

Liz Martins, MSc, IFS Institute Solo Lead Trainer

"When I listen in to this welcome panoply of stories and voces I hear and feel the delight of discovery 'I can do this!' and the equally delightful invitation 'See?' This book Freeing Self: IFS Beyond the Therapy Room is a gift of intimacy and inspiration for all who are walking the ever widening and branching path of IFS."

Risa Adams, MD, Certified IFS Therapist, Approved Clinical Consultant, and Assistant Trainer Mentee



Qualities of Self

Self is an unlimited personal and universal resource that has no fear, no need and feels no separation from others. It is characterised by:

calm

curiosity

compassion

confidence

courage/fearlessness

connectedness

clarity

creativity

Get in Touch

IFS CPD Opportunities

CPD Events Coming in 2025

IFS Skills Series Workshop - Using Direct Access. Join Gayle Williamson and me early for a 1-day workshop. Email Gayle for further information here.

Playfulness and Humour in Supervision. Join me between 6 and 8pm BST on 30th June 2025 as I present this workshop during Onlinevents Internal Supervision week 2025. A self-select fee system is in operation and recordings can be purchased in advance or afterwards via the Onlinevents library system.



IFS-Related CPD Recordings Available for Purchase or via Library Membership @ Onlinevents

IFS-related CPD workshops are available for purchase (see links below) and via the Onlinevents CPD library via Emma Redfern's presenter page.

  • Karin Brauner and Emma Redfern discuss Freeing Self: IFS Beyond the Therapy Room as part of Karin Brauner's series, Author's Corner: Valued-Adding Conversations with Colleagues. Free gifts for attendees and those who purchase a recording: Emma's recording of the Glossary on Specialist Non-IFS Terms from the book and three templates for using with your system or facilitating others to use with their system. Click here to purchase.

  • The 8 Facets Model of IFS Supervision, a recording (1hr 40mins) of Emma's contribution during Onlinevents International Supervision Week, June 2024, in which she shares metaphors for supervision and a map or model for navigating IFS supervision. Click here to purchase.


  • IFS and You: An IFS Take on the Drama Triangle and the Healthy Triangle (3-part workshop)

Join me as I introduce my IFS take on the Drama Triangle (Aka Karpman's Triangle) and the Healthy Triangle. Movement from one triangle to the other and characteristics of DT parts and HT qualities will be exemplified using the film Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Series 1 (2021) and Series 2 (2022) of TV series The Outlaws. Viewing of the film and TV material in your own time is advised as due to copyright restrictions, clips will not be shown. IFS case studies will be shared (with permission) in Parts 2 and 3.

Click here to purchase the recording of Part 1.

Click here to purchase the recording of Part 2.

Click here to purchase the recording of Part 3.


  • IFS and You: Orienting to a New Modality (2-part workshop)

Over two separate and sequential workshops I highlight multiple areas of practice potentially impacted when someone trained in an existing modality (or modalities) orients to a new modality.

In Part 1 we consider stakeholders, metaphors for orienting vs integrating, I lead a meditative exercise to begin to get to know parts reactive to the new modality, an introduction to the 6 F's of IFS, and finally an outline of the book which covers this subject in more detail: Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Companion for Therapists and Practitioners. Click here to purchase the recording of Part 1.

In Part 2 I guide us in beginning to reflect on the existing modality, offer glimpses of the journeys of those who have already oriented/transitioned to or integrated a new modality (IFS), I lead a meditative exercise to begin to get to know parts reactive to the new modality, we consider protector fears, the need to update therapist parts, and end with a focus on the client. Click here to purchase the recording of Part 2.

  • IFS and You: Beginning and Developing a Practice Workshop & Book Launch

Hosted by Onlinevents on 8 May 2023, a recording is available for purchase here.

Join the author as she introduces her book, Transitioning to Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Companion for Therapists and Practitioners, written to support those transitioning to becoming proficient as IFS therapists or using IFS with skill and efficacy within their professional context.

During this workshop, the author shares her own Circle of Professional Authority (featured in the book) including some of her thoughts on values, ethics and boundaries.

The workshop is likely to be an ideal taster for those considering buying the book; provide a unique introduction for participants on the concepts of values, ethics and boundaries; and provide a refresher for those who may want to revisit professional practices and ideas to which they may not have given much thought in a while, or not from an IFS perspective.


  • Two Psychotherapist Writers in Conversation: Karin Brauner and Emma Redfern

1.5 hr recording available for purchase here: Onlinevents.


In this workshop, Emma and Karin have a conversation about how they became authors, what led them to choose their topics, and how you can do the same. They share about the process of writing and their different publishing choices and options. Attendees will receive an A to Z of writing and publishing a book as a quick guide to help you get started and stay on track.

One of the attendees to the live event emailed to say the workshop was just right for her: "The flow was just wonderful and sequenced perfectly. I appreciate the informative flow between two authors who wrote totally different books and published in different ways. I really liked the questions back and forth. ... I cannot wait to dive into the handout you shared. There is so much information packed into those few pages. I know I'll find good stuff."

Thank you Diana Dugan Richards, RDN, LDN, and Certified IFS Nutrition Therapist. Check out Diana's chapter about becoming an IFS nutrition professional in Freeing Self: IFS Beyond the Therapy Room.

Purely IFS with Emma and Gayle (an IFS podcast)

This podcast is for you if you are a psychotherapist, practitioner, and IFS professional who is transitioning to using the Internal Family Systems model in your work. If you are already a seasoned IFS professional and just like listening to podcasts, you are most welcome too!

Gayle Williamson and I have been using IFS for many years and will be discussing key aspects of the model, going over skills, sharing case material (with permission) and generally sharing our take on things IFS. I live in the Southwest of England, Gayle lives in Ireland and we wanted to provide a homegrown podcast focusing primarily on IFS (hence the title).

You can find us here and on other major podcast platforms: Purely IFS with Emma and Gayle Podcast on Spotify

Podcast episodes:

  • Mastering IFS as a complete model
  • Taking the leap with direct access
  • Updating, and meeting Self (1 of 2)
  • Updating, and meeting Self (2 of 2) Case example
  • Making the most of IFS Supervision
  • How our parts affect our health (2 podcasts)
  • Skilled parts detecting
  • Working with polarisations (2 podcasts)
  • How IFS equips us as therapists and supervisors

Integrating IFS into Supervision and Consultation, Liz Martins with Emma Redfern (recording)

A recording of two online workshops by IFS Institute Lead Trainer, Liz Martins with guest speaker Emma Redfern (IFS editor and author) in 2021. Hosted by Life Architect in Poland, click here for more information and to purchase.

PESI UK Blogs

Parallel Process in IFS Supervision (free online)

20 February 2024

Author: Emma Redfern

What can Internal Family Systems bring to our understanding of the supervision phenomenon of parallel process? How might an IFS supervisor and her supervisee work with this in service of the client? Psychotherapist, IFS supervisor and author Emma Redfern explains why detecting parts primes IFS clinicians to identify and work with activated parts in multiple systems - and shares some common parts dynamics that can show up via unconscious processes in supervision.

Retraining in Internal Family Systems: No IFS, Ands, or Buts (free online)

10 January, 2024

Author: Emma Redfern

What are the 'non-negotiables' of a particular therapeutic modality, and what challenges might these pose for a qualified therapist looking to retrain? With increasing numbers of practitioners showing an interest in transitioning to Internal Family Systems, psychotherapist, Certified IFS Therapist and author Emma Redfern highlights common stumbling blocks when moving from a 'counteractive' to a 'transformative' therapy style - and explains why she holds a firm line on following the IFS model.


Links

If you like this website . . .

Deciding on a business website can be tricky and time consuming. If you like this one, take a look at the WebHealer website here.

I am delighted with my website and I'm pleased to share this Referral Code: ER9011. Use this when you place an order to receive money off. (Yes, I will also benefit if you do so.)


IFS Consultation Groups

Laura Schmidt, LMFT

IFS Group Consultation for IFS Certification

Process Groups for IFS Therapists

AAMFT Approved Supervisor

First & Third Wednesday Pause for Calm & Connection 12pm PT

www.lauraschmidtlmft.com


Dr R Jey Hiott, PhD Psychologist

Works with adults and couples (IFIO) and has experience of working with children and families.

Offering individual and small-group consultation with hours counting towards IFSI Certification.

Sliding scale. Based in Asheville, NC.

Call on 828-768-5459 or email jeyhiott@gmail.com

The One Inside: An IFS Podcast hosted by Tammy Sollenberger

See Episode 152 IFS and Freeing Self with Emma Redfern where we talk about:

  • my story and trusting the inner "Yes"
  • my writing journey and current writing projects
  • IFS supervision and creating one's professional identity and offering
  • not "IFS-ing away" our parts
  • Self's ability to bear and be with multiple realities
  • the nature of success and how showing up can = success


IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapists and practitioners
Counsellors

Michelle G. Hayes Counselling, MA

Relationship therapist, trainer, career coaching and IFS-informed children and young people therapist

In-person, via zoom and walk and talk Dorchester area

for more information and to contact, click here


Catherine Allen (EX14)

Integrative Counsellor, Accredited Member of BACP

07444 035009

See www.silkhaycounselling.com


Judy Gibbons MBACP

Counselling, EFT and Yoga-informed Therapy

Topsham, EX3

See www.judygibbonscounselling.co.uk


See also BACP website


and Counselling Directory website

For Young People

Gill Wilson is hosting the UK Premiere of the film 'Embrace Kids' in-person at the University of Exeter later in February 2025. This film is for everyone aged nine and over; it tackles many of the subjects that our young have to navigate these days, such as body image. You may be aware of how damaging it can be for our young people not to feel comfortable in their bodies and not feel accepted as they are. These difficulties can continue into later life.

Here is a link to the trailer to give you an insight into the film. Please spread the word to colleagues, family or friends who may be interested. The Eventbrite link with more information is here.

Take a look at Gill’s website.

Kooth offers emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 – 24 years and is available up to 10pm every day, see www.kooth.com

Published articles

Playfulness and humor in therapy Connecting with our playful, liberated younger parts can reunite us with Self-energy, serving both therapist and client. This article was first published on December 2, 2024 in PARTS & SELF magazine which is produced by the Foundation for Self-leadership. The magazine is dedicated to exploring IFS as a model of the human psyche.

Professional Transitioning - An article recommending transitioning to a new modality rather than, or before, integrating it. This article was first published in December 2023/January 2024 edition of Therapy Today, the journal of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).


A supervisor reflects on the complexities of therapists communicating 'no' - a reflective article highlighting the importance of boundaries including the therapist's ability to say 'yes' and 'no' and to lead their inner worlds despite ever-growing complexity in the external world. This article was peer reviewed and published in The Irish Journal for Counselling and Psychotherapy, summer 2022.


Self in Internal Family Systems therapy – a dialogue with Robin Shohet about IFS, published in Thresholds, April 2022


Dark and Light: What Our Psychotherapy Heroes Reveal About Ourselves and Our Profession - a reflective article honouring four of my current psychotherapy heroes, peer-reviewed and published in The Irish Journal for Counselling and Psychotherapy, winter, 2021.


The Drama Triangle and Healthy Triangle in Supervision – focuses on the quality of the supervisory relationship and unconscious processes that may get in the way of a sound working alliance, peer reviewed and published in The Irish Journal for Counselling and Psychotherapy, spring 2021


Three-Legged Stool – an article about the therapeutic relationship, published in the BACP Private Practice Journal, June 2019.


Feedback in Supervision – an exploration of how two-way feedback can facilitate a sound working alliance, published in Therapy Today, the journal of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, October 2014.


DIY Therapy - a short viewpoint article about my role as a psychotherapist in making myself obsolete as I assist clients to self-heal and find their own inner resources for therapy and for life beyond therapy. This published in Therapy Today, the journal of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, April 2010.