Parts Work (IFS-Informed)IFS Therapy and Parts Work in Texas
Every part of you has a reason. Let’s get to know them.
Parts work helps you understand the different sides of yourself, like the inner critic, the people pleaser or the part that shuts down under stress. Drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), a licensed Dua Health therapist helps you meet these parts with curiosity instead of judgment, so inner conflict can ease. Sessions are available online across Texas and in person in Austin.
Most insured members pay a $25 copay
IFS-informed therapy at Dua Health is covered by most major insurance plans, including Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Oscar. Paying out of pocket? Self-pay sessions are $110. There is no waitlist.
What is IFS therapy and parts work?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) was developed by family therapist Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is based on the idea that the mind is naturally made up of many parts, each with its own feelings, beliefs and job. Some parts try to protect you, and others carry pain from past experiences.
IFS also holds that everyone has a core Self: a calm, curious and compassionate center that can lead and care for these parts.
Parts work is the broader name for therapy that works with these inner parts. Our therapists use an IFS-informed approach, which means they draw on IFS ideas and tools within your sessions.
How IFS therapy and parts work works
In parts work, you and your therapist explore your inner world together. Sessions often include:
Noticing your parts
You learn to recognize the different voices and reactions inside you, such as worry, anger or self-criticism.
Understanding your protectors
IFS describes two kinds of protective parts. Managers try to keep you safe by staying in control, while firefighters rush in to numb or distract you when pain comes up.
Caring for wounded parts
Some parts, called exiles, carry hurt or shame from the past. With your therapist's support, you approach them slowly and with compassion.
Leading from Self
Over time, you build a stronger connection to your calm, curious Self, which can guide your parts instead of being overwhelmed by them.
What to expect
Parts work is gentle and moves at a pace your protective parts can accept. Many people find they feel less at war with themselves as therapy goes on.Sessions are conversational and curious. Many people find they see themselves differently within a few months.
What can IFS therapy help with?
Our therapists use parts work to support people with:
Is IFS therapy right for you?
Parts work may be a good fit if you:
Feel torn between different wants or reactions
Have a harsh inner critic
Notice patterns you keep repeating, even though you want to stop
Want a compassionate approach that does not see you as broken
How IFS therapy compares to other approaches
| Approach | Main focus | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Parts work (IFS-informed) | Understanding and healing the parts of you that protect or carry pain | Medium to long term |
| Trauma-informed therapy | Safety, choice and healing at your pace | Short to long term |
| Attachment-based therapy | How early relationships shape the way you connect today | Medium to long term |
| Person-centered therapy | A warm, non-judgmental space where you lead | Flexible |
Not sure which approach suits you? Our care team will help match you with a therapist whose style fits your needs.Not sure which approach suits you? Our care team will help match you with a therapist whose style fits your needs.
How to start IFS therapy at Dua Health
Tell us about yourself
Spend about 15 minutes sharing your history and what you would like help with.
Talk with a care expert
A quick 15-minute call helps us understand your goals.
Get matched with an IFS-informed therapist
Review your recommended therapists and book your first session within 24 hours.
Begin your sessions
Meet online from anywhere in Texas or in person at our Austin office.
IFS therapy and parts work FAQs
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy sees the mind as made up of many parts, plus a core Self. It helps you understand and heal those parts so your Self can lead.
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Parts work is any therapy that helps you get to know the different parts of yourself, like the part that worries or the part that criticizes. IFS is the best-known form of parts work.
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Managers are protective parts that try to keep you in control. Firefighters react quickly to soothe or distract you when pain shows up. Exiles are parts that carry hurt or shame from the past.
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No. In IFS, having parts is a normal part of being human. The goal is not to get rid of them but to understand them and help them feel less burdened.
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IFS is widely used for trauma, and research on it is growing. Many people find it helpful because it approaches painful experiences gently, through the parts that hold them.
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Yes. Dua Health offers online IFS-informed therapy anywhere in Texas, as well as in-person sessions in Austin.
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Most major insurance plans cover IFS-informed therapy at Dua Health, and most insured members pay a $25 copay. Self-pay sessions are $110.
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Book a free 15-minute consult. Our care team will match you with a licensed therapist who uses parts work, usually within 24 hours.
Every part of you deserves understanding
Work with a licensed IFS-informed therapist online across Texas or in person in Austin.