Parts therapy
Parts Therapy, also known as "Internal Family Systems" (IFS) therapy, is an approach to psychotherapy that views the mind as consisting of multiple distinct subpersonalities or "parts" that interact within an internal system. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, Parts Therapy draws on principles from family systems theory, ego psychology, and experiential therapies. If you’re feeling stuck in your life, parts work addresses differences and conflicts in agendas between parts that are usually responsible for paralysis in your emotional healing. This is not to be confused with multiple personalities or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).
DID is a diagnosable mental health condition characterized by the presence of distinct identities or personality states, often as a result of severe trauma. Rather IFS is a therapy that focuses on understanding and integrating the various parts of the psyche to promote healing and self-awareness. It is based on the premise that the mind is made up of different "parts," each with its own unique thoughts, feelings, and motivations. These parts often operate independently and can sometimes conflict with each other, leading to emotional distress and dysfunction. In IFS therapy, the goal is to help individuals understand and integrate these parts in order to achieve greater harmony and self-awareness. It is used to address a wide range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
Here's how Parts Therapy typically works:
Introduction to Parts: The therapist introduces the concept of "parts" to the client, explaining that everyone has different aspects of themselves that play various roles and have different feelings, beliefs, and motivations. These parts are often organized around protective functions or emotional wounds.
Externalization: Clients are encouraged to externalize their parts by giving them names, personalities, and characteristics. This process helps clients disidentify from their parts, recognizing them as separate from their core sense of self. For example, a client might identify an "inner critic" part or a "vulnerable child" part.
Dialogue and Exploration: The therapist facilitates a dialogue between the client and their parts, often using techniques such as guided imagery, visualization, or role-playing. Clients are encouraged to explore the feelings, beliefs, and needs of each part and to develop a deeper understanding of their internal dynamics.
Understanding Part Roles: Clients and therapists work together to understand the roles and functions of each part within the internal system. Some parts may serve protective functions, such as guarding against vulnerability or managing difficult emotions, while others may hold painful memories or unmet needs.
Integration and Harmony: The goal of Parts Therapy is to help clients develop greater harmony and cooperation among their parts, allowing for more balanced and adaptive functioning. Through dialogue, negotiation, and compassionate self-exploration, clients learn to access their "Self," a core aspect of consciousness that embodies qualities such as compassion, curiosity, and wisdom. The Self serves as a guiding force for healing and integration within the internal system.
Healing Trauma and Wounds: Parts Therapy is particularly effective in working with trauma and emotional wounds. Clients explore and process traumatic memories and experiences within a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, helping to release trapped emotional energy and promote healing and resolution.
Empowerment and Self-Leadership: Parts Therapy empowers clients to become active agents in their own healing process. By developing a deeper understanding of their internal dynamics and learning to access their Self, clients gain greater autonomy, resilience, and self-leadership in navigating life's challenges.
Parts Therapy offers a powerful and transformative approach to psychotherapy, helping clients develop greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and integration within their internal worlds. By fostering collaboration and harmony among their parts, clients can experience profound healing and growth, leading to greater well-being and fulfillment in their lives.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provides the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.