Lisa Whittaker
Art & Therapy
Does life feel like a hard slog?
Puzzled by your behaviours?
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. When you apply the IFS lens to your life, things can soon make a lot more sense, providing enormous relief.
IFS is a highly effective evidence-based shame reducing therapeutic model. As an IFS level 3 trained Therapist, and Integrative Counsellor, I am delighted to offer private sessions (online or face-to-face in London SE23) to adults battling the whole range of issues that can result from childhood trauma or not growing up in the ideal environment for them to thrive. IFS is really helpful around grief, addictions, anxiety, self-esteem....Everything really.
I love supporting clients facing all possible issues with the backdrop of neurodiversity and ensure my practice is neurodiversity affirming. I know personally how painful it can be when parts of us don't accept our neurological differences or harshly criticise us and try to eradicate it. When there is more acceptance in our systems we find ease, our struggles significantly reduce and we learn 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 natural multiplicity of mind, or sub-personalities, often in conflict and causing us distress and chronic indecision. The wonderful Pixar 'Inside out' films, based on the IFS model, highlight our familiar inner struggles and show the inner peace that can result when parts of us learn to work together. (I highly recommend these films for any kids, teens and adults. 'Inside Out 2' is 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 making life difficult? A harsh critic? An Angry part? 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.
'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'
As referenced by Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk, Mindful Self-leadership is the main goal of IFS therapy. When you begin IFS therapy you'll soon start spotting your triggered parts taking over and their impact on your relationships, work and self-care. You'll learn to pause and give them attention from your core naturally wise, calm and compassionate Self, and they'll learn to trust you to run the show. Since IFS therapy is fully collaborative and you are the expert of your system, I'll simply be your warm, friendly and supportive guide until you feel able to run the show independently. It is very respectful of parts of you (we never go anywhere without the agreement of your whole system) so I find people often don't experience that 'rawness' or backlash after an intense IFS therapy session. In fact, even after a very emotional IFS session (always welcome by the way...) clients often report feeling lighter and empowered the following week once they had processed their session. And if they don't then that can highlight what dynamic needs attention next. I am always struck by how much joy and laughter there can be in IFS sessions while we get to know adorable younger parts of you.
Like many of my colleagues, IFS has become my most used therapeutic model because it is so effective in increasing clarity and self-awareness, leading to deep healing and relief. In IFS there is a clear path to uncovering the root causes of your suffering and proven protocols to follow to resolve these.
When I first heard Richard Schwartz explaining his IFS model in 2020, I was hooked and haven't stopped devouring every book, training and podcast ever since.
To deepen my IFS work I have trained with Loch Kelly for the last few years and am now a non-dual Certified Effortless Mindfulness Facilitator. Richard Schwartz acknowledges how well the two complement each other and refers to Effortless Mindfulness as 'non-dual IFS.' Indeed, I find each enhances the other. Loch Kelly is IFS trained and he and Richard Schwartz often co-teach on each others' trainings. I find Loch Kelly's 'glimpses' invaluable for accessing and maintaining Self leadership in my day so I am delighted to add this dimension to my IFS Therapy offering.
I am working closely with an IFS consultant towards becoming a certified IFS therapist and to ensure my work with clients is effective and ethical. I also undertake my own IFS therapy to maximise my self-awareness in our sessions.
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
