Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I discovered IFS soon after it arrived in the UK, and my first teachers included Dick Schwartz (who was my trainer for Levels 1, 2, and 3), as well as many other senior IFS trainers. These early experiences gave me both a strong grounding in the model and a deep appreciation of its transformative potential — personally and professionally.
Today, I serve as a Lead Trainer with the IFS Institute, leading UK and international trainings that support the global growth of IFS. I was the first UK-based trainer appointed by the Institute and my work now also includes mentoring new trainers and delivering workshops for approved clinical consultants.
I’ve a particular interest in integrating IFS into the process and content of supervision and consultation. Together with Emma Redfern, I co-developed the FP8 Model of IFS Supervision and Consultation. I contributed a chapter to the book that Emma edited: IFS Supervision and Consultation (Redfern, Routledge, 2022). I design and offer trainings on this topic, ranging from short workshops to an intensive programme.
I’ve been involved with the IFS community in the UK and beyond for many years. I’ve been co-host of the annual UK UFS Open Space gathering since it began in 2018.
Other training and experience
In addition to IFS, I’m trained in Psychosynthesis, EMDR, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, as well a wide range of other trauma approaches. I’ve run as a successful private therapy practice since 2011, and also have experience as a therapist and supervisor working for a charity supporting survivors of sexual assault.
Before training as a therapist, I held senior leadership roles in children’s social work. including responsibility for strategic development and for operational management of services. Supervision of staff and teams was central to my role.
I later became a self-employed consultant, using participatory approaches, such as Open Space, World Cafe, and Appreciative Inquiry. My focus was on supporting development in public services, working with service leaders, stakeholder groups, management teams, and operational staff.
These experiences gave me a deep understanding of people, systems, and the importance of supportive spaces for growth and change.
My professional journey has been shaped not only by training and roles, but also by my identities, including as a white, middle-class, cisgender woman. I carry awareness of the privileges and opportunities this has afforded me, and I hold a commitment to working in ways that honour diversity, equity, and the lived realities of those whose paths may be different from my own.
Looking back, each step has led naturally to what I do today:: supporting therapists, and supervisors to bring more Self-energy into their practice — and into the wider world.
Contacting me
The best way to contact me is by sending me an email at lizmartins2@gmail.com.