About Your Trainers
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
Christiane Churchill-Ley
Drawing on over two decades of experience in alternative medicine and naturopathy, Christiane is an IFS Level 3 Certified Practitioner and Couples Therapist (IFIO) 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, 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 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 IFS Level 3 Certified Practitioner and 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 & Ann Sinko. Her engagement in IFS training extends to leading her own courses, including a foundational Introduction 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 & Nina Molyneux, Resonance Trainings. Additionally, she served as an assistant for the Introduction to Somatic Experiencing training.
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, family, and friends. With 13 years spent backpacking overseas in her earlier years—living in monasteries and studying non-dual and Vajrayana practices. This connection to spirituality not only enriches her personal life but also informs her professional practice. Elise continues to embark on new adventures whenever possible.
"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."