Happy International Women's Day! IFS Institute celebrates women! We are proud that 78% of our team is women identified and 82% of our trainers are too. Today we are spotlighting IFSI Australian Co-Lead Trainer, Emma Diamond. She shares her experience with IFS as an international woman and how identity informs her practice.
Emma Diamond is a Certified Internal Family Systems therapist, case consultant and trainer with a Masters in Family Therapy from Newcastle University, Australia. Emma has 20 years of clinical practice working with complex and relational trauma. She has worked with IFS in the context of individual and family therapy including with children and young people across culture, complexity and identity. Her experience is primarily with populations experiencing domestic and family violence, and with survivors of childhood abuse and neglect including institutional/ historical childhood sexual abuse.
What inspired you to do this work?
Since I was young I have had parts that saw social injustice and moved into action- doing something. When I was a young adult I experienced significant relational trauma and that lived experience has driven my passion for working in the DFV field, as well as with children affected by violence and abuse. I have parts that are really passionate about working with complex trauma- the nature of multiplicity is fascinating and awesome. I find each system so beautiful and unique.
What does celebrating women mean to you?
When I reflect on International Women's Day, what immediately comes to mind is the women around the world who live in oppression, still incredibly constrained in who they can be. Many of the indigenous women and children I've worked with over the years stand out in my thoughts. I think of the women navigating horrendous experiences in war and famine. There is so much happening in the world. Then, I also consider all my female friends who are a delight, as well as some of my non-binary friends and the wonderful people in my local community.
The IFS model offers a holistic approach that empowers people spiritually and emotionally. It provides women with a chance to embody strength and gives a voice back to those who historically lose that agency. The model offers a way to honor protectors and release the shame of actions taken to survive the horrors of violence.
