Creating harmony within: working with ego-states (parts)

In psychotherapy, "parts" or "ego-states” refer to different identities or sub-personalities within a person that appear in response to psychological needs or stress. These parts can develop during different developmental stages, traumatic experiences, and interactions with others. They operate somewhat independently and can sometimes conflict with each other, leading to internal disagreements and emotional distress.

We all have parts that influence our behavioural and emotional responses, sometimes in ways that are misunderstood or unrecognised. Learning to recognise parts in the therapy room can help us to support our clients in a very gentle, supportive and affirming manner.

I was first introduced to the concept of “parts” when I was completing my EMDR accreditation, and I found this such a helpful way to conceptualise so many of my clients’ presentations, particularly those who presented with disorganised attachment styles, and where therapy didn’t progress as expected. I was hooked, and it took me on a whole new path of learning. Over the past few years, I have enrolled in several courses and trainings focussing on working with parts. This includes workshops in Internal Family Systems, Schema Therapy and the Structural Dissociation Model.

This article introduces the concept of parts within the therapeutic framework, including the purpose and benefits of adopting a parts approach to therapy.

1. Proactive or Manager Parts:

These parts take on a protective, managerial role, often attempting to keep the person safe from harm or emotional pain by controlling behaviour and the environment.

Example: A highly organised or perfectionistic part, who works hard to ensure tasks are completed to the highest standard, to guard against feelings of inadequacy that might arise from making a mistake or possible judgement from others.

2. Reactive or Firefighter Parts:

These parts will do whatever is required to avert danger, regardless of of the consequences, often engaging in impulsive behaviours to extinguish emotional distress or redirect attention.

Example: A part who engages in overeating to numb out overwhelming emotions or stress, to shield from intense emotional pain, anxiety or feelings or emptiness that surface when the person is triggered.

3. Vulnerable or Exiled Parts:

These parts carry the burdens of painful or traumatic memories, are often “hidden away” and protected by other parts, and may not be accessible in ordinary consciousness.

Example: A humiliated part who holds memories of embarrassing or shaming incidents, often from childhood or adolescence, and keeps this hidden away to prevent it from eroding the individual's self-esteem and self-worth.

In addition to the above parts, the individual also has a “self” (sometimes called the Core Self or True Self), however, the degree to which individuals have access to and awareness of their Self can vary significantly. The primary role of the Self is to lead the internal system with wisdom and compassion. It provides a balanced perspective, ensuring that all parts feel heard, understood, and valued.  Unlike the parts, which are subpersonalities with their own emotions and behaviours, the Self is characterized by qualities such as calm, curiosity, compassion, and confidence.

* Increased understanding: Clients develop deeper and more nuanced insight into their personality and behavioural triggers.

* Improved Regulation: Addressing the needs and wounds of vulnerable parts can promote healing and support emotional regulation

* Symptom Reduction: Resolving internal conflicts can reduce stress, improve mood, and lead to a reduction of symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and other emotional disturbances.

* Enhanced Decision Making: Clients learn to identify which parts influence their decisions and can choose actions that align with their true self.

It is also important for therapists to become of their own parts, to effectively guide the therapeutic process. As with other therapeutic models, recognizing how our own experiences, feelings, and biases might influence the therapy setting is essential for maintaining professional boundaries and effectiveness. Self-awareness allows therapists to stay grounded and focused, ensuring that their parts do not interfere with the client’s therapeutic journey.

My upcoming supervision group will cover these concepts in greater depth, providing attendees with the skills and knowledge to apply some of these principles in their practice. This group is for anyone working with clients presenting with trauma and/or is interested in parts work. We will cover: * A brief overview of the purpose and benefits of parts work * Three different parts models (Internal Family Systems, Structural Dissociation, Schema) will be discussed * A parts mapping exercise (bring paper, markers/coloured pencils) * Practical ways to identify and work with protector parts

This group is suitable for provisional psychologists, early career psychologists and any therapists wanting to gain introductory skills and knowledge in parts work. All groups have a maximum of 5 participants, in line with the internship guidelines for group supervision.