Parts work or ego-state work is psychotherapy that thinks of a person as made up of parts of self or roles we play. We often naturally speak of parts when we say, “part of me wants to take that new job and part of me doesn’t.” It doesn’t mean we have multiple personalities. It just means that we may think and feel differently in certain roles or in different situations.

 

Our parts are formed when we attempt to adapt to life events and this can be helpful for us. However, we can get stuck in a part or role that isn’t necessary anymore. In that case, we can think, feel, and behave in ways that aren’t useful to us and that can even lead to unwanted consequences.

For example, someone who was abused in the past may have difficulties in their present relationship, because part of them remembers the abusive relationship and acts as if they are in danger in the current one. Other parts of the person may be confused as to why they are acting the way they are. An explanation of this from a parts work standpoint may be that the person has two or more conflicting parts acting in the same situation.

Working with our parts can lead to integration and healing which basically means we don’t have so many internal conflicts anymore. We use parts work not only to help heal from trauma but also to cope with and manage difficult emotions. Clients who work with their parts often experience more contentment and less emotional distress. We can also use parts work to help
clients get ready for other trauma resolution techniques - wade into the water instead of plunging in.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS) are types of parts work that have been effective on their own or blended together.