Parts Work Therapy

“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.”

— Peter A. Levine

What is Parts Work?

Parts Work draws on recent neuroscience research to explore how our complex personalities are shaped by various roles we play in life. Each role—such as being a partner, friend, employee, or parent—can reveal different facets of ourselves, which are considered "Parts" in therapy.

While some Parts may function well and feel authentic, others may exhibit unhealthy patterns, especially in certain situations. For instance, you might feel more genuine with close friends but struggle with negative behaviors during family interactions. These observations are not random but reflect real neurological connections, highlighting the need for therapeutic work to heal these Parts and align with your true self.


How does trauma affect Parts?

In traumatic experiences, memories can become fragmented, with emotions and cognitive processes becoming separated from one another. This fragmentation can result in parts of our personality becoming split, particularly in cases of childhood trauma, but this does not imply psychosis or multiple personalities.

Rather, it reflects how the mind protects itself by compartmentalizing traits and feelings, sometimes keeping them hidden until a safe space for expression is available.

These fragmentations and dissociations can lead to internal conflicts, which may manifest as issues like perfectionism, self-aggression, regression, self-sabotage, and pervasive shame.


Our approach to Parts Work…

Treating childhood trauma or Complex PTSD involves working with the different parts of the self. In Parts Work therapy, healing comes from identifying and acknowledging the disowned parts of yourself and allowing them to express their needs. The aim is to help you cultivate a strong, compassionate sense of self that can embrace your emotions, vulnerabilities, and younger aspects of yourself with empathy.

Parts Work therapy attends to the conflicts between parts that when left unresolved can sabotage your efforts toward healing.

There are many different methods that address working with parts, our therapists at Holding Space Therapy are informed by two of them:

  • Internal Family Systems  

    Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that views the mind as comprising various distinct "parts," each with its own roles and emotional states. Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS focuses on understanding and integrating these parts to achieve internal harmony and resolve conflicts. The approach emphasizes accessing the core "Self," which is compassionate and wise, to mediate between the parts and promote emotional healing.

  • The Structural Dissociation Model

    Structural Dissociation Model is a framework used to understand and address trauma and dissociation, particularly in the context of complex PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. This theory focuses on how traumatic experiences can lead to disruptions in a person's sense of self and identity.

Our expertise in complex PTSD and dissociation allows us to address fragmented experiences through both the lens of personality parts and the compartmentalization of dissociative somatic and emotional manifestations of trauma. Our integrative relational model facilitates the creation of a safe therapeutic environment, essential for exploring and healing the internal splitting experienced by trauma survivors.

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We are located in the heart of Montclair Township, NJ.

We service Essex County, Bergen County, Morris County, Passaic County, Greater New York, NYC, Florida and Vermont.