Loving All Your Parts
What are Emotional Parts?
A popular psychological approach that has revolutionized the field of trauma therapy is the idea of “parts” theory. This theory is the underpinning of Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Ego State Therapy, and others like it. The basic premise is that the human mind is made up of “parts/states” of mind that separately store emotional information, memories, beliefs, and experiences under unique states. Feelings of positive self-worth may be connected to a healthier network of emotions and memories, whereas anger and self-preservation may have a separate emotional state. Each state is activated at times by triggers that bring them to the forefront of awareness. For most people, the states work together and are activated as needed in a unified seamless process.
How Trauma Impacts Our Parts
With new understanding in trauma research we now understand that certain states of mind are created or “frozen” during times of trauma and become separated from the others. This leaves them separate from conscious awareness and triggering people at times unexpectedly with the full force of the original emotion.
The Goal of Trauma Therapy
The goal of trauma therapy with parts work is to help people identify these states, find out what they are missing (love, safety), and redirect the emotion towards a more helpful purpose. For example, the angry “child state” may need to feel safe and know that they are ok now as an adult. They are now redirected to use this anger in a healthier way through asserting themselves in relationships or protecting others in a threatening situation.
Conclusion
Understanding why certain parts of ourselves are acting this way helps us to provide them with their proper emotional needs and feel more compassion towards ourselves. After all, these parts kept us safe and provided us with a need and purpose when they were created. As they are adjusting to their future roles, we can thank them for the help they gave us and guide them on how they can be more helpful for us moving forward.
Mendel Toron, LCSW, CCTP, EMDR is an EMDR Certified Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specializing in EMDR and Trauma therapy. Please click here to learn more about Mendel and his work. To schedule a free consultation click on the button below.