Hi, my name is
Iris Whitelock
I am a qualified transpersonal art therapist and life purpose coach
About Me
I am passionate about empowering women to discover and embrace their true selves through creativity and personal development. As a qualified transpersonal art therapist, women’s coach, and facilitator, I bring a rich and diverse background in performing and visual arts, business consulting, and holistic practices to my work.
My Journey
My own journey of self-discovery began when I was 18 – but I “shelved” it in the interests of my social life, and reached my mid-forties before I noticed something was missing in my life! I was now a stay-at-home mother to 3 young children. Mid-life had arrived and time was running out. I felt a deep desire to find work that fulfilled me without taking me away from my family, but I had no idea what it could be, how to find it, or even what I had to offer the world.
I became involved in textile art and community art projects, and embarked on a creative journey that ultimately led me to train as an art therapist in my late fifties. This training provided the clarity and guidance I needed to turn my passion for creativity into a thriving practice that helps other women find their purpose and fulfillment.
Having lived through my own dark night of the soul, and having dealt with depression and low self-worth, I fully appreciated the transformative power of creativity. The new perspectives I gained taught me that it is indeed possible to change the trajectory of a life from ho-hum and tedious, to one of joy, energy and abundance. I discovered the value of combining art and coaching to help other women re-awaken the delight, curiosity, and sense of adventure they once had, stepping courageously into new challenges while drawing on the wisdom of their years.
My Philosophy
I believe that we are unlimited in what we can achieve in this lifetime and that each one of us possesses inner wisdom that we can connect with through creativity. My approach is guided by the belief that, with some guidance, we can make decisions and take actions aligned with our highest good in all areas of our lives. I choose to view the universe as organizing around my success, even if the path isn’t always clear! Engaging our innate creativity can reconnect us with our inner wisdom, transforming us personally, relationally, and professionally.
My Qualifications
I have dedicated my life to continuous learning and growth, though not always in a conventional way!
My qualifications include:
- BA in English (Theatre Arts)
- Associate Diploma in Arts Management
- Diploma in Transpersonal Art Therapy
- 2-year Coaching and Facilitation Training with the Institute for Woman-Centred Coaching in the USA
- Certificates in Reiki, massage, breathwork, and textile arts
- 27 years as a student and now tutor at The School of Practical Philosophy
- 10 years as a solo entrepreneur and practitioner in transpersonal art therapy and woman-centred coaching
Achievements and Success Stories
Personally, I am immensely proud of my three adult children and the strong, supportive relationships we have built over the years. They have been the catalyst and crucible for the deepest and greatest lessons in my life.
Professionally, I have witnessed countless women transform their lives, stepping into new roles in politics, academia, creative arts, and business. These women have reconnected with their true selves and life force, continuing to grow emotionally and spiritually.
My practice, Art of Life Coaching, has evolved from an art therapy-based practice into a coaching business that blends creative arts with woman-centred coaching, underpinned by a strong spiritual foundation. I bring deep listening and vision to clients around the world, encouraging them to take the time to listen to their inner wisdom.
Personal Interests
Outside of my professional work, I am a lifelong student of eastern and western philosophical traditions, with an established practice in meditation and mindfulness. I love to travel, read extensively, and engage in textile arts, having co-founded a contemporary textile group in 1999 that is still active today. I am passionate about the intersection of arts, science and community, indulging my nerdiness by attending neuroscience courses and environmental seminars, and working on environmental projects with my husband.
I highly recommend Iris Whitelock as a Life Coach for any woman who wants to explore her inner world, gain confidence and self-empowerment. By integrating feminine power principles with art therapy, Iris facilitated my growth in a safe and supportive manner. It was cathartic; I was at a crossroads in my life and in our time together, I was able to dig deep, grow in self-acceptance and self-knowledge. If you are unsure about investing in yourself, I say ‘ have courage’ and ‘go for it’ as I am very confident that Iris will walk with you through the transitions and you will be very glad you did so – I am !
I thanked my partner last night for the cleaner and now she feels much warmer towards my ‘drawing myself to empowerment’ which is how I describe your course to people. And I’ll practice the somatic loop as this is a big failing of mine – picking up where other people are at. Thanks!
… drawing out as well as drawing towards. I think the actual drawing can help both things happen. The other day I was unbalanced by a happening – I didn’t have my book with me but I thought of a drawing I might make and by the end of the day all was good again (apart from being too busy…). Thanks so much for the completely different experience you put into my life.
I came to this workshop totally open and with no expectations and was blown away with my personal insights from both the morning exercise and making my Vision Queen.
I would absolutely recommend attending this day if you want to work on your personal growth through creativity.
I am feeling surprisingly in love with [my Vision Queen]. She has come into being from me, and I see some things I am surprised by, yet they are familiar, too, on a different level.
I really enjoyed a day of stepping away from my day-to-day life of work/home tasks and routine, to make space for play and tuning in to my deeper self. My Vision Queen is a fabulous reminder to make and play more!
Spending time dedicated to reflection brought inner clarity and tapped into both past and present guidance, moving forward. My vision queen was so much fun to create and to share. Thank you for bringing us together to share this moment.
Although I’ve had coaching and counselling in the past, I’ve never engaged in such regular sessions over such a long period. The continuity allowed me to dig deeper rather than just skating around the same issues again and again.
I loved Iris’ use of Art Therapy in her facilitation. For me the experience of expressing issues through the creative arts and exploring them in externalised form is always the most powerful and illuminating.
Likewise, meditation/visualisation.
After a particularly powerful session, Iris sent me some notes for the session – in particular a record of my own words. Although the session had already delivered many important insights, lost in the experience I’d lost much of the detail which was also of great significance to me.
There are many things to acknowledge and appreciate in Iris’ facilitation of our sessions. She was unfailingly welcoming, warm, open, kind, non-judgemental, flexible, inventive and organised.
Without oversharing, Iris could make herself vulnerable on occasion which, for me at least, inspired trust and allowed me to be unguarded and authentic. She provided a safe and comfortable space both physically and spiritually.
RM, art therapist, Fremantle WA
“I’m appreciating more and more what a profound lift [art therapy] has given me. It’s still facilitating healing and growth for me. Just those few sessions have been invaluable and I’ll always treasure them”.
“[Art therapy] has a gentle approach. I liked the focus on what was seen in the artwork, rather than its appearance. I liked [your] non-judgemental attitude, especially liked empathy through the sessions, no pressure even if I was having trouble, letting me have my own time”. A.M.
“This was a gift to me – just you and I, although I like the groups too – it felt very nurturing and safe”.
I feel you have a great contribution by doing the art. The one class that I was with Iris, I can feel the difference, and it’s still inside me. I can still remember the drawing and what the inner wisdom wanted to tell me.