IFS or Parts Work Therapy

 

IFS Therapy in Utah County | Internal Family Systems Counseling

Access your inner wisdom. Heal from the inside out.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) or “parts work” is a powerful, evidence-based approach to therapy that helps individuals better understand and heal the different “parts” of themselves. Instead of viewing painful emotions or behaviors as problems to eliminate, IFS invites you to get to know these parts with compassion—and discover the underlying needs, roles, and protective functions they serve.

At Palisades Counseling, our trained therapists offer IFS-informed therapy for individuals seeking deeper self-awareness, emotional healing, and internal balance.

What Is IFS?

Internal Family Systems (IFS), colloquially referred to as Parts Work, is a model of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It’s based on the idea that the mind is naturally made up of different subpersonalities or “parts,” each with its own perspective, emotions, and purpose. According to IFS, we all have:

  • Protective parts that try to keep us safe, often by managing our behaviors or emotions
  • Exiled parts that carry burdens from past wounds, often holding pain, fear, shame, or grief
  • A core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate—and capable of healing

Rather than trying to get rid of or control these internal parts, IFS helps you develop a respectful, curious relationship with them. When parts are truly heard and understood, they often become less extreme, and healing can take place from within.

What Can IFS Help With?

IFS therapy can be helpful for a wide range of emotional and relational concerns, including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Shame and self-criticism
  • Perfectionism and people-pleasing
  • Difficulty setting boundaries
  • Chronic stress or emotional overwhelm
  • Identity exploration and self-connection
  • Feeling stuck or fragmented

Many people turn to IFS when they feel like they’re “at war” with themselves—caught between different internal voices or unable to break out of long-standing patterns. IFS offers a way to engage those parts with care, not control.

What to Expect in IFS Therapy

IFS is a gentle but transformative process. You won’t be asked to push away parts of yourself or rush your healing. Instead, your therapist will guide you in exploring your inner world at your own pace, helping you:

  • Identify and connect with the different parts of your system
  • Understand the role each part plays, even if it causes distress
  • Create space for your Self to lead with compassion and clarity
  • Heal wounded parts by unburdening them from the roles they’ve carried
  • Build a greater sense of inner harmony, agency, and self-trust

Many clients find IFS to be empowering, especially if they’ve felt stuck or frustrated with traditional talk therapy. It offers a structured yet intuitive way to move from inner conflict toward integration.

A Compassionate Path to Healing

IFS teaches that all parts are welcome and none are bad. Even the parts of us that act out, avoid, or sabotage are doing the best they can to help us survive. In IFS, we move toward those parts—not with judgment, but with curiosity and care.

You may be surprised by what you learn when you truly listen to yourself.

Begin IFS-Informed Therapy at Palisades Counseling

IFS is more than a technique—it’s a respectful and empowering way to explore your inner life. Whether you’re struggling with emotional pain or simply want to deepen your self-awareness, IFS therapy can support lasting, compassionate change.
 Reach out to schedule a session with an IFS-informed therapist today.