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Liz Martins

IFS-inspired spaces for deeper connection, learning, and growth

I’m Liz Martins — a therapist, supervisor, and trainer based in the UK. My focus is simple: helping therapists and supervisors bring Internal Family Systems (IFS) into their work with confidence, clarity, and heart.

I’ve had the privilege of working with practitioners at all stages — from newly trained therapists to experienced supervisors — supporting them to deepen their skills, broaden their perspectives, and bring more ease and Self-energy into their work.

My style blends professional rigour with warmth and creativity. Inclusion, equity, and emotional safety matter deeply to me. Whether in therapy, supervision, or training, I aim to create spaces where people feel supported and stretched — safe enough to take risks and inspired to grow.

IFS is far more than a set of techniques: it’s about relationship and connection. It’s about growing our capacity to meet ourselves and others with compassion, curiosity, and confidence. When therapists and supervisors can bring more Self-energy into their work, that energy ripples outward — to clients, communities, and beyond.

At present, my focus is on offering IFS training. My private practice is full, so I’m not able to take on new referrals for therapy or supervision and I don’t keep a waiting list. If you’re looking for IFS support, you may find the IFS UK directory and the IFS Institute international listings helpful starting points.

About

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.
Liz Martins
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 and contributed a chapter to 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 IFS 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 as a wide range of other trauma approaches. I’ve run 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 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 Café, and Appreciative Inquiry to support leadership and service development in public services. My focus was on working with service leaders, management and operational teams, and stakeholder groups.

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 identity 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.

Supervision and Consultation

I’ve been offering supervision and mentoring for over 25 years, supported by qualifications in both supervision and coaching. In recent years, this part of my practice has deepened through integrating IFS. Supporting the growth of therapists, supervisors, and trainers has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

I offer individual and group supervision, as well as ‘supervision of supervision’, with IFS woven into every aspect of the work.

Supervision or consultation with me goes beyond case discussion. It’s a space to notice and explore the parts that shape practice, to reflect on the wider systems and relational dynamics, and to grow in clarity, confidence, and creativity.

As an IFS Institute–approved Clinical Consultant, consultation hours with me are counted towards certification requirements.

Please note that my supervision/consultation practice is usually full, so it’s rare that I’m able to take on new people. Groups will be advertised here and through the usual IFS community channels.

Training and Workshops

Training is one of the ways that I most enjoy sharing IFS. I aim to offer a rich and engaging mix of theory, experiential work, and practice, giving participants the chance to explore the model in depth while applying it directly to their own context.

As a Lead Trainer for the IFS Institute, I deliver trainings in the UK and internationally. These include L1 and L2 trainings, and workshops for IFS Institute Approved Clinical Consultants and for prospective training staff.

I also regularly offer other trainings that are not affiliated to the IFS Institute or IFS UK. These include:

Integrating IFS into Supervision and Consultation

Short workshops, five-day trainings and a nine-month intensive programme.

My next training is a five-day programme, in person near Bristol, taking place from 8–12 April 2027.

Over five days, this programme invites therapists and supervisors to explore how IFS can enrich and strengthen their supervisory practice. Using the FP8 Model of IFS Supervision and Consultation as a guide, we combine teaching, demonstration, and hands-on experience. Alongside a community of peers, participants find space to grow, reflect, and be inspired — leaving with practical tools, deeper confidence, and fresh energy for their work.

Contact details for more information and application will be available here when booking opens.

Introduction to Internal Family Systems

Bespoke programmes ranging from a few hours to several days. These can be delivered online or in person, within organisations or to community groups.

Therapy

I’m a qualified and experienced therapist, certified in IFS, and registered and accredited with BACP. I’ve worked in private practice since 2011.

My therapy practice is now very limited due to training and other commitments, and I’m not able to accept new clients at this time. If you’re seeking an IFS therapist, the IFS UK directory and the IFS Institute international listings are good places to start.

Website Information

This website does not use contact forms, comments or mailing lists. Basic technical information, such as IP addresses and browser details, may be processed by the website’s hosting provider for security and operation.

This website is operated by Annexus Training Ltd, trading as Liz Martins.

Annexus Training Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 15936374.