Welcome to our space of healing and growth, where we share our passion for Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the transformative power it holds.
As two seasoned practitioners, we have embarked on the IFS journey together since meeting during our Level 1 training, and our lives have been deeply affected by this profound approach.
With decades of combined experience in the field of healing, bodywork and energy-based modalities, we each have a full-time practice that reflects the trust and transformation we experience with our clients and groups.
Our shared passion lies in bringing IFS and healing into the heart of our client relationships. We see IFS as the model of how we hold space, recognising the power of Self energy and witnessing the healing that occurs when we connect with our authentic Self.
In our system, we honour two essential types of consciousness: Self and parts – an interplay of wisdom and compassion. We align with the pure teachings of IFS and its deep connections to spiritual and shamanic traditions, recognising that it represents a significant paradigm shift in the psychotherapy mainstream.
Our aim is to share our combined knowledge with you, introducing IFS and its enormous potential. We are doing this through introductory workshops, immersive experiences, and our longer 12 weeks comprehensive course.
We are here to ignite you with our passion and to accompany you on your journey of deepening and understanding the power of Internal Family Systems Therapy.
"The demonstrations, role-play, and sculpting activities truly brought the concepts to life for me and allowed me to connect with my own unique parts in a profound way. This hands-on approach made my learning experience both impactful and memorable." — Kids Inspire attendee
Who are we as individuals?
Christiane Churchill-Ley
Drawing on over two decades of experience in alternative medicine and naturopathy, Christiane is a certified Level 3 IFS practitioner dedicated to internal enquiry and transformation. She runs a thriving practice, guiding individuals and couples with warmth, depth, and a finely attuned presence. Her work goes beyond symptom relief, creating a compassionate space for clients to heal from the inside out and reconnect with their true Self.
Christiane’s path to healing began in the arts, where she trained as a musician and vocalist, exploring the power of sound, resonance, and expression. This early career gave her a deep appreciation for rhythm, harmony, and the voice as a vessel for transformation - a sensibility that continues to shape her therapeutic work today.
Drawn to the deeper currents of human experience, she transitioned into Classical Homeopathy, training in the UK and extensively with Massimo Mangialavori MD in Bologna, Italy, where she embraced a systems-oriented approach to healing, honouring the intricate interplay of mind, body, and spirit.
In 2016, Christiane encountered Internal Family Systems (IFS), an experience she describes as a “second awakening” on her path. Hearing Richard Schwartz PhD speak for the first time, she recognised IFS as a profound journey back to Self. She immersed herself in training with the IFS Institute in the UK, becoming a senior Program Assistant (PA), mentoring therapists and practitioners, both in the UK and internationally. She has assisted many esteemed trainers, including Ann Sinko, Mariel Pastor, Paul Ginter and Richard Schwartz himself. She was also part of the original pilot training with Richard Schwartz bringing IFS to coaches.
As the founder of her “Supporting Healing Journeys” workshop series, Christiane integrates IFS with constellations (sculpting), creating experiential, body-centred spaces for inner work. She is passionate about teaching IFS in this way that is both clear and deeply embodied, facilitating participants to not just understand the work but feel and integrate it within their own systems, increasing their spaciousness and Self expertise.
In addition to her busy private practice and workshops in IFS, Christiane loves studying, music, art and design. She finds joy in family life, nature, and the companionship of her beloved sighthounds, embracing the beauty and rhythm of the natural world.
Elise Parsons
With more than 30 years of experience in a variety of therapeutic modalities, Elise brings a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between mental, physical, and emotional well-being to her clinical practice with individuals and couples. As an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 3 Certified Practitioner & Couples Therapist (IFIO), she combines extensive training in Somatic Experiencing (SEP), Craniosacral Therapy (CST), and Supervision (CSTD) to offer a compassionate and integrative therapeutic approach.
Since establishing her practice in Bath in 2006, Elise has been dedicated to helping clients navigate stress management, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and personal development. She also provides supervision to therapists, supporting their professional growth with insight and care. Her approach is both practical and deeply attuned, fostering a return to self-balance, authenticity and helping individuals embrace who they truly are
Beyond her clinical work, Elise has a rich background in training and facilitation. She has played an active role in numerous IFS training courses, serving as a programme assistant for Level 1 & Level 2 courses alongside esteemed teachers such as Mariel Pastor, Paul Ginter, Susan McConnell, Osnat Arbel & Ann Sinko. Her engagement in IFS training extends to leading her own courses, including a foundational Introduction to IFS program for therapists, multiple ten-week IFS development groups and a two-year personal development group.
Elise’s expertise in body-oriented therapies further enhances her teaching. She spent four years as a course assistant and two years as a course tutor in the Craniosacral Therapy training led by Paul Vick, Resonance Trainings. Additionally, she served as an assistant for the Introduction to Somatic Experiencing training with Giselle Gilliard.
Elise is known for her warmth and playful sense of humor, and enjoys bringing this to her teaching style. She creates a safe and supportive learning environment where participants can deepen their skills and confidence.
Alongside her teachings and clinical work, Elise enjoys spending time with her two dogs, as well as her family and friends. Having spent 13 years overseas during her earlier years, she values continuing to embark on adventures whenever she can.
"I loved the mix of enthusiasm, knowledge, experience, humor, and openness that Elise and Christiane share together. Their pairing was fantastic, and I look forward to seeing them both again."
— Kids Inspire Attendee