Lisa Whittaker
Art & Therapy
Does life feel like a hard slog?
Puzzled by your reactions?
Feeling stuck? Conflicted? Triggered? Anxious?
Lost your joy or creativity? Or it's always felt elusive?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) could be the missing piece. It was for me, and for many of my clients. Seeing yourself through the IFS lens can help things make sense, bringing relief, compassion and a new way forward.
IFS is an evidence-based, shame-reducing therapy. As a Level 3 IFS-trained therapist and integrative counsellor, I offer private sessions online and in London SE23 for adults experiencing the lasting effects of not growing up in an environment where they could thrive. IFS can help with anxiety, grief, addiction, low self-esteem, life transitions, feeling stuck—and much more.
I enjoy supporting clients with a wide range of issues through a neurodiversity-affirming lens and strive to ensure my practice is neurodiversity affirming. I know personally how painful it can be when parts of us reject or harshly criticise our neurological differences. As our inner systems become more accepting, we often find greater ease, our struggles lessen, and we can begin to celebrate our uniqueness.
"I'm a million different people from one day to the next...'
Bitter Sweet Symphony, The Verve
IFS works with the different parts of us—especially those in conflict that can leave us feeling distressed, stuck or chronically indecisive. The wonderful Pixar Inside Out films, inspired by IFS, beautifully illustrate these inner struggles and the peace that comes when our parts work together. I highly recommend them for children, teens and adults, with Inside Out 2 being especially helpful for anxious teenagers.
"I think the first intrusion into one's own inner conflicts is not the most pleasant of experiences but working through them can really be one of the greatest adventures in life. And it takes a certain amount of bravado and need and realisation that you're missing out on your own life!" David Bowie
Maybe you're considering therapy because you're already acutely aware of a part of you that's working overtime and causing issues? A harsh critic? An Angry one? A perfectionist? A judge? A rebel? A worrier? A rule-bound part? An overthinker? A people pleaser? Hypervigilant parts? A Hedonist? Addictive parts? Caretakers or rescuers? They all have positive intent for you and may be unaware of the issues they cause. Giving them some much-needed attention could really soothe your nervous system.
'IFS recognises that the cultivation of mindful self-leadership is the foundation for healing from trauma'
Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk, bestselling author of 'The Body Keeps the Score'
A key aim of IFS therapy is developing Self-leadership. As your parts begin to trust your naturally calm, wise and compassionate Self, you'll notice them less often taking over in your relationships, work and self-care. Instead of reacting automatically, you'll learn to pause, turn towards your parts with curiosity, and respond from Self.
Because IFS is fully collaborative and you are the expert on your own inner system, my role is simply to be a warm, supportive guide until you feel confident leading your system yourself. We never work with a part without the agreement of your inner system, which means sessions are paced respectfully and clients often don't experience the emotional "rawness" or backlash that can sometimes follow intensive therapy.
Even after deeply emotional sessions—which are always welcome—clients often describe feeling lighter, clearer and more empowered as they process their experience. If difficult feelings remain, they simply show us where the next opportunity for healing lies. One of the things I love most about IFS is that, alongside profound healing, there is often genuine joy and laughter as we get to know your younger parts with compassion.
When I first heard Richard Schwartz explain the IFS model in 2020, I was hooked. I've been enthusiastically exploring its books, trainings and podcasts ever since.
To deepen my IFS practice, I have trained with Loch Kelly and am now a Certified Effortless Mindfulness Facilitator. Richard Schwartz describes Effortless Mindfulness as "non-dual IFS," recognising how naturally the two approaches complement each other. I find Loch's mindfulness practices invaluable for accessing and sustaining Self-leadership in daily life, and I’m delighted to bring this additional dimension to my IFS therapy work.
I work closely with an IFS consultant towards certification, ensuring my practice remains effective, ethical and aligned with IFS principles. I also engage in my own IFS therapy to deepen my self-awareness and support the work I do with clients.
I know it's imperative you find the right therapist for you so do feel free to contact me if you are curious about IFS and would like a free 20 minute chat to see if we are a good fit.
If I don’t have availability I will do my best to find you suitable colleagues who do.
A few links to get you started but there are so many so enjoy having a good explore:-
What is IFS | IFS (internalfamilysystems.pt)
Dr. Richard Schwartz explains Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems: How does IFS work? (welldoing.org)
Internal Family Systems Therapy | Psychology Today
Effortless Mindfulness & IFS:-
IFS Self and Effortless Mindfulness: Learn IFS Exercises
Richard C Schwartz IFS Podcast Interview About Authentic Self
IFS Therapy
