Healing Every Part of Yourself Through IFS Therapy
At Recovery Ways, we offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy as part of our comprehensive, evidence-based approach to mental health and addiction treatment in Salt Lake City, Utah. IFS is a unique therapeutic model that helps individuals explore the different “parts” of themselves, understand the role each part plays, and work toward greater inner harmony and healing. Whether you are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or the challenges of addiction recovery, our trained IFS therapists in Salt Lake City are here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward a healthier, happier future. Get in touch with our admissions team to learn how we can help.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal Family Systems therapy is an evidence-based approach to psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1990s. IFS is built on the idea that the mind is made up of distinct sub-personalities, or “parts”, each with its own thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Rather than viewing these parts as problems to be eliminated, IFS recognizes them as natural aspects of the mind that are trying, in their own way, to protect you.
IFS outlines three primary types of internal parts:
- Exiles: vulnerable or wounded parts that often carry the pain of past trauma or negative experiences. They tend to be hidden away to protect you from overwhelming emotions.
- Managers: protective parts that work to control your environment, relationships, and behaviors to prevent exiles from being triggered.
- Firefighters: parts that respond when exiles are activated, often through behaviors intended to suppress painful feelings or memories.
At the center of the IFS model is the concept of the “Self”, the core state of who you are. The goal of IFS therapy is not to eliminate any part, but to help the Self take a leadership role, allowing each part to be heard, understood, and gradually relieved of the pain it carries. This process supports deeper healing and a more integrated, grounded sense of self.
When is IFS Therapy Used?
IFS therapy is a versatile, non-pathologizing approach that can support healing across a wide range of mental health conditions and life challenges. At Recovery Ways, IFS may be incorporated into your personalized treatment plan if you are working through any of the following:
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance use disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Borderline personality disorder
IFS is particularly well-suited for individuals who feel conflicted within themselves, who recognize that part of them wants to change or heal, while another part feels stuck, afraid, or resistant. By working with all of the different parts of you, rather than fighting them, IFS helps create the internal conditions for lasting, sustainable recovery. It is an approach that honors complexity and meets you exactly where you are.
IFS Therapy at Recovery Ways
At Recovery Ways, IFS therapy is delivered by licensed, trained therapists who understand how to apply the Internal Family Systems model within the context of mental health and addiction treatment. IFS may be integrated into individual therapy sessions as part of a broader, personalized treatment plan across our residential, PHP, and IOP levels of care.
Over the course of treatment, sessions work toward:
- Getting to know and build trust with protective parts
- Gently approaching exiled, wounded parts and helping them feel safe enough to share their burdens
- Supporting parts in releasing painful beliefs and emotions
- Helping all parts find new, more supportive roles within your system
- Strengthening your connection with the core Self so you can lead your own healing with compassion and confidence.
Our clinicians at Recovery Ways are experienced in integrating IFS with other evidence-based therapies, ensuring your care is both personalized and comprehensive.
Our Locations
Healing is a dynamic process that involves every part of who you are. To support this journey, Recovery Ways operates an integrated network of care across two premier Salt Lake City facilities: Copper Hills and Brunswick Place. Just as Internal Family Systems therapy helps you understand and bring harmonyto the different parts of your internal system, our dual-campus approach ensures you have the exact environment you need to heal. Whether you require medical detox, immersive residential treatment, or flexible day programming for mental health or substance use, we will place you at the facility uniquely equipped to support your current stage of inner growth.
Begin Your Healing Journey with IFS Therapy in Salt Lake City
If you or a loved one is ready to explore Internal Family Systems therapy in Salt Lake City, the team at Recovery Ways is here to help. Our compassionate, licensed therapists are experienced in using IFS and a full range of evidence-based approaches to support lasting recovery and emotional well-being. We work with most major insurance providers and are committed to making quality care accessible.
Take the first step today. Verify your insurance or reach out to our admissions team to learn how IFS therapy at Recovery Ways can support your path to healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is IFS therapy different from other types of therapy?
IFS engages directly with the different parts of a person's inner world, rather than focusing primarily on behaviors or thought patterns. No part of you is seen as broken or bad. Instead, IFS helps each part be understood and gradually take on a healthier role within your internal system.
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Is IFS therapy evidence-based?
Yes. IFS is recognized as an evidence-based practice by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), with research supporting its effectiveness for trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. At Recovery Ways, it is offered as part of a clinically sound, individualized treatment plan.
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How long does IFS therapy take?
Duration varies depending on each person's needs and goals. Some individuals experience meaningful progress in a relatively short time, while others benefit from longer-term work, especially when addressing complex trauma. Your therapist will work with you to find the right pace.
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Can IFS be used alongside other treatments at Recovery Ways?
Yes. IFS is typically integrated into a broader treatment plan that may include CBT, DBT, medication management, and group therapy. Your clinical team will tailor your plan to best support your specific needs and recovery goals.