What is Parts Work?
Have you ever felt conflicted about a decision? Ever think “Part of me wants to say yes, but there’s another part of me that is stopping me”? Or perhaps you’ve experienced moments where everything was going well, only to have a “part” of you derail things—like forgetting your wallet, losing your temper unexpectedly, or oversleeping? These experiences can be understood through “Parts Work Therapy,” an approach that treats the mind as a collection of subpersonalities or “parts.”
In Parts Work Therapy, we recognize that our psyche consists of different aspects of ourselves, each with its own feelings, opinions, and roles. During therapy sessions, we focus on identifying these various parts, exploring their backstories and motivations, and ultimately working to heal and integrate them.
Different Types of Parts Works/Modalities. Is this new?
While Internal Family Systems (IFS) is currently one of the most well-known methods of parts work—widely discussed on social media—this therapeutic approach has deep roots in several other modalities. These include Jungian Therapy, Gestalt Theory, Ego State Therapy, Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT). Each of these methods shares the idea that understanding our inner parts can lead to greater self-awareness and healing.
What happens in Parts Work Therapy?
The process of Parts Work Therapy typically begins when a client identifies an issue they wish to address. The therapist then guides the client in identifying their different “Parts” that are involved in that issue. Often, these Parts are “frozen in time” from the moment they were created, and their reactions are based on past traumas. Through conversation and curiosity, these Parts can come to understand that their protective behaviors may no longer be necessary, which can lead to healing and integration into the client’s broader sense of self.
Am I a candidate for Parts Work?
Parts Work can be used to treat general concerns, such as anxiety and depression. It is particularly effective for addressing issues stemming from Complex PTSD and other unresolved childhood experiences. This therapeutic approach is most suitable for clients who feel comfortable engaging with their inner experiences through a parts-based lens. Through these dialogs and understanding, individuals can achieve greater emotional balance and personal growth.
