The parts of you that don't fit neatly anywhere are exactly the ones we want to know.

Self energy is a concept that you likely have heard of in other theories, mindfulness courses, and or spiritual practices. Self energy is a state of open and curious presence. When we embody Self energy it feels like we can handle anything without fear. Some people spontaneously access Self while engaging in creativity, doing yoga, being in community with people they love, or even attending a concert. Self energy is described by the 8 C’s: Calmness, Curiosity, Compassion, Confidence, Courage, Clarity, Creativity, and Connectedness.

This state of mind, “Self,” is the mechanism of action for change in Parts Work. Parts Work believes that this healing Self state is innate in all of us. When protective parts come online they tend to block Self energy and distract us with anxious thoughts or agendas. If we can build trust with protective parts and have them take a step back we can all spontaneously access Self energy. The belief that we are all born with Self energy is unique to Parts Work, as many other mindfulness practices state that this presence must be taught. Self energy is not something that is taught, it is something that is accessed. Many people get frustrated that despite many attempts with meditation videos they cannot seem to increase their sense of mindful awareness. Parts Work helps you address the barriers to Self rather than doing countless “reps” of mindfulness.

We cannot change something that we do not understand. You likely have already tried the “tough love” approach to getting better. Despite your best efforts with planners, journaling, and self help books, the same patterns and issues continue. Parts Work is a root cause approach. Together we will go back and understand the origin story of each Part of you. Once each Part feels witnessed and understood, we can help the Part release the pain it has been holding onto and evolve into a different version that is aligned with present day Self. Once Parts trust you they no longer feel the need to “act out” to get your attention. Externally, this looks like you responding intentionally rather than reacting from a place of hurt. Internally, this looks like feel less conflicted and overwhelmed by contradicting feelings.

Because Parts Work believes that each and every part of you has a purpose it takes the stigma out of mental healthcare. You will rarely hear me use language such as “maladaptive” or “negative” because frankly even the most intense behaviors or emotions came from somewhere. Self harm, substance use, disordered eating - all of these behaviors have a function otherwise people wouldn’t engage in these behaviors. If you have previously felt embarrassed, ashamed, or misunderstood in therapy Parts Work can help.

Additionally, Parts Work can be transformative for people who have felt “stuck” in therapy previously. Rather than your issues being “a problem to fix” we will work to actually understand the root cause behind the issue and address barriers to change together.

Parts Work centers multiplicity. Perhaps there is a part of you that feels very strongly that you cannot stand your distant relative that you see at holiday gatherings. Maybe another part of you can sit in the understanding that your relative has been through a lot in their life. Other theories may try reconcile these different perspectives - making you feel like you need to choose one side of you over the other. Parts Work encourages multiple perspectives at once. We can hold love for people in our life and also acknowledge that their comments or actions hurt parts of us. Healing doesn’t require you to sacrifice parts of yourself.

Additionally, Parts Work centers consent. Therapy should not feel like a power struggle where you are constantly trying to explain or prove yourself to your therapist. We will work together to empower you to change for yourself, not for anyone else. This consent focused process can be especially healing for people who have their boundaries or consent violated in the past.

No. Although Parts Work can be utilized with clients who have DID, Parts Work is used with clients with a variety of diagnoses. Parts are different emotions, behavioral patterns, interpersonal roles, or beliefs that live within you. We all contain multitudes, and Parts Work is simply a theoretical lens that acknowledges that. We all have parts - no diagnosis or pathology is required for Parts Work to be effective.