There are many therapeutic approaches that fall under the “parts work” umbrella. My training is specifically in something called Internal Family Systems (IFS).
IFS sees your mind as a kind of internal community comprised of different members (parts). Imagine your thoughts and emotions as individual members, each with its own feelings and motivations. In therapy, the goal is to understand and communicate with these parts to promote harmony and healing. It’s like getting to know the various characters within you and finding ways for them to work together better.
In IFS, the therapist helps you explore the different aspects of yourself – the “parts” – that may have conflicting feelings or beliefs. By understanding the unique roles of these internal players, you can identify patterns of behavior, reactions, and emotions that might be causing distress or holding you back. The therapy involves fostering a compassionate relationship with each part, encouraging self-discovery and self-compassion. Ultimately, the aim is to create a more balanced and integrated internal system where the different parts can coexist peacefully.
In IFS, many of our parts are considered to be protective, having developed when we were young due to a perceived need. In this way, IFS can also be considered to fall under the “inner child work” umbrella.
Parts work in psychotherapy has a long history that predates IFS. Its origins can be traced back to various spiritual and philosophical traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism, which explored the concept of the multiplicity of the self and the interplay between different aspects of consciousness. Additionally, early psychoanalytic thinkers, including Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, introduced ideas related to the existence of internal conflicts within the psyche. Freud’s concept of the id, ego, and superego, as well as Jung’s exploration of archetypes and the collective unconscious, laid the groundwork for understanding the complexity of human personality. All of these approaches underscored the significance of acknowledging and engaging with the diverse facets of human experience in therapeutic practice.
Internal Family Systems, and parts work in general, offers a nonjudgmental space for you to explore your inner world and build a deeper connection with yourself. It’s not about labeling parts as good or bad, but recognizing the valuable roles they play. By embracing and understanding the complexities within, you can work towards a more authentic and fulfilling life.
I’m always happy to discuss how parts work and inner child work can help clients reach their goals. Please reach out if you’d like to schedule some time to chat.
