Parts Work

What it is

You've probably said something like "part of me wants to leave this job, but part of me is terrified to." Parts work takes that everyday language seriously. It's based on the idea that the mind is naturally made up of different parts — a critic, a people-pleaser, a part that wants to hide, a part that still carries hurt from long ago — each with its own feelings and its own reasons.

My approach draws on Internal Family Systems (IFS), a model developed by Richard Schwartz. A central idea is that no part is bad. Even the parts that cause problems — the harsh inner voice, the urge to numb out — are usually trying to protect you in the only way they know how. There is also a core Self underneath: a calm, curious, compassionate place from which you can relate to these parts.

What a session looks like

We might notice a reaction that keeps showing up — say, a wave of shame whenever you make a small mistake — and get curious about the part behind it. What does it want? What is it afraid would happen if it stopped? Often, simply listening to a part without trying to get rid of it lets it soften.

Sessions can be slower and more reflective than other approaches, and we go at a pace your system is comfortable with. Protective parts are there for good reasons, and we respect them. Nothing is forced.

What it can be helpful for

Parts work can be helpful if you feel pulled in different directions, if you have a harsh inner critic, or if you notice reactions that feel older or bigger than the situation in front of you. It is often used in work around trauma, attachment, self-esteem and relationship patterns.