Parts work is essential to the treatment of Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). Internal Family Systems (IFS) has made a significant contribution to the discussion of the treatment of parts, but it is not the only available model. Many philosophers and psychological thinkers have explored the concept of consciousness and the self and agree that they are complex and multifaceted. Approaches to parts work can be found in ego state work (J.G. Watkins & Watkins, 1997), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Ogden & Fisher, 2015), and the structural dissociation model (K. Steele, S. Boon & O. Van der Hart, 2017), among others.
As humans, we have complex inner lives. We organically relate to our internal experience as a mosaic. We say, “part of me wants to go out with my friends tonight and part of me wants to stay home and watch TV.” All individuals experience intense states with conflicting thoughts, emotions and sensations. We are capable of having opposite feelings about a single experience.
Throughout development, we have to navigate complex relationships and situations. When we experience trauma or attachment wounding we develop strategies or parts to help us navigate this complex world. Some of our parts hold the pain of our experience, while other parts try to find ways to manage the pain or to shut down our awareness. All of our parts are protective. Separation of these parts is one way of understanding trauma-related dissociation. Dissociation can cause disruption in our daily lives and lead to feelings of disconnection and isolation.
Regardless of a clinician’s theoretical orientation, an integrated approach using developmental, cognitive and somatic interventions is necessary to successfully work with parts. The relationship between client and therapist can be used to track the relational wounds that result from complex trauma. Exploring our experience in the present moment is essential for building more flexibility and compassion into a disjointed, chaotic internal life.
