What is “Parts” Work?

Somatic Parts Work integrates the methodology of Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) founded by Dr. Richard Schwartz, and other trauma-informed models, to support you in healing underlying past trauma and pain. IFS is grounded on the idea that our inner world consists of a system made up of various parts (sub-personalities) and a core resource of self energy that is not a part.

What are Parts?

Parts like people, have a range of ages, developmental needs, temperaments, emotions, styles of communication and expression, abilities, talents, desires and views of the world. Parts can be shy, angry, untrusting, skeptical, pollyannas, caretakers, overly empathetic, intellectual, afraid, eager, optimist, pessimist, and embarrass easily. Parts can be resourceful, talented, and have skills or points of views they want to offer the world, other parts may act in unhelpful ways or be in conflict with each other.

Burdened Parts

Some parts can be constrained by the traumatic events and negative beliefs that burdened them and take on protective roles within the human system. Some parts take on manager roles, others fierce protectors, and some go into hiding in response to relational injury.

We All Have Parts

Throughout the day a person will pass through the many personalities of these unique parts. Most people identify with having 10-30 parts.

Positive Intent of Parts

A core belief of Somatic Parts Work is that all parts have a positive intention and came by their roles or burdens honestly. While positive intent does not always result in positive consequences, we strive to identify and understand the positive motivations driving different parts thoughts, feelings, sensations, and behaviors. In parts work it is not the aim to get rid of or suppress parts, rather we create a supportive internal environment for parts to be heard, understood, and eventually unburdened and restored.

What is Self Energy?

Self energy is your life force energy. It is not a part and this energy does not come and go. No matter what you have lived through this resource is reliable-always available and undamaged by trauma or relational wounds. It is the state where you are most alive, capable of feeling your joy, compassion, pleasure and connection. Self energy exists in every one and is central in many spiritual, educational, religious traditions. Self energy is larger than all the parts put together. Seen through a polyvagal-informed lens, Self energy is synonymous with the ventral vagal state.

Self Energy as Leader

Just as in a healthy family system, internal harmony is supported when there is a firm but compassionate leader that is resourced enough to ensure all members feel valued and encouraged to pursue their individuality, while facilitating cooperation toward common values and a broad perspective for the whole. Self as leader knows how to: mediate polarizations, facilitate flow of information, ensure all members are protected and cared for, allocate resources, responsibilities, and influence fairly within the system, and knows when to choose sides, creates boundaries, and take action for the greater good.

Somatic Parts Work and Coaching

My role is to hold a non judgmental, welcoming space for all parts of you, as we work together to restore health and balance to your internal system. Through our work together you will embody the skills necessary to understand yourself from the inside out, access your internal compass, support your ability to be with all inner states, unburden and free up stuck parts, and learn to use Self energy to create secure relationships and a harmonious home base where healing and and growth can happen.

Somatic Parts Work will help you understand more about what holds you back from creating the life you want, transform stuck parts of yourself into inner resources of strength, love, and freedom, remove barriers in your relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others. This integration can lead to an increased sense of internal harmony, wholeness and compassion for yourself and others.

To learn more, schedule a free discovery call today.