Internal Family Systems

What Is Internal Family Systems?

Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based model of therapy that works to bring clarity, connection, confidence, and compassion into the everyday. As we move through life, we develop strategies for tolerating pain (which turn into ‘parts’ of ourselves), which can sustain themselves far beyond the original trauma or discomfort.

IFS recognizes that, within each of us, we have the inherent resources necessary to care for and relax these parts, such that we may then design, create, and pursue a life that feels authentic and free.

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How IFS works

Instead of seeing any part of you as “bad” or “broken,” IFS helps you develop compassion for all parts of yourself, even the ones that may cause pain or distress. Through therapy, you’ll:

  • Identify your parts – Recognize the different voices, emotions, and patterns that make up your inner world.

  • Understand their purpose – See how each part, even the ones that cause harm, is trying to protect you in its own way.

  • Find your core Self – Connect to your calm, wise, and compassionate self that can lead and guide your healing.

  • Create inner harmony – Help your parts work together rather than against each other, reducing conflict and increasing emotional resilience.

How IFS Differs from
Traditional Talk Therapy

While traditional talk therapy often focuses on discussing your experiences and challenges from a single perspective, Internal Family Systems (IFS) works from the understanding that you are made up of many “parts” — each with its own voice, beliefs, and emotions.

Instead of simply talking about your problems, IFS helps you interact with these parts directly in a structured, compassionate way.

In standard therapy, you might explore why you feel anxious, sad, or stuck. In IFS, we go a step further: we get curious about which part of you feels that way, what that part is trying to protect you from, and how it developed its role. This approach allows us to address the root of the problem rather than just the surface symptoms.

Many clients find IFS less overwhelming than traditional methods because it’s not about reliving trauma or endlessly analyzing your past — it’s about building a relationship with all parts of yourself. The goal is to help your calm, confident “core self” lead the way, bringing your inner system into balance.

In short:

  • Traditional talk therapy = conversation about your problems from one point of view.

  • IFS therapy = collaboration between your core self and your different inner parts to create lasting change.

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Our location

60 S. 600 E., Suite 100 Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 6am-10pm
Sat-Sun: 8am-2pm

Contact

Phone: (801) 906-0525
info@wellspaceutah.com