Parts Work

Structural Dissociation is a theory that explains how the mind organizes itself in response to overwhelming experiences. When a person encounters stress or trauma that feels too difficult to process, the mind may separate different aspects of the experience, leading to a division in how a person thinks, feels, and responds to the world. This can happen on a spectrum, from milder forms seen in everyday life to more complex patterns in those with chronic trauma histories.

Key Aspects of Structural Dissociation:

1. Primary Structural Dissociation – A basic split where a person functions in two modes:
   • The Everyday Self: Focused on daily responsibilities, relationships, and routines, often avoiding distressing emotions or memories.
   • The Trauma-Linked Self: Holds strong emotions, reactions, or memories related to difficult experiences, which may surface as emotional overwhelm, intrusive thoughts, or bodily reactions.
2. Secondary Structural Dissociation – Occurs when a person experiences multiple trauma-related self-states, leading to increased emotional reactivity, inner conflict, or difficulties in self-regulation.
3. Tertiary Structural Dissociation – A more complex fragmentation, where distinct self-states develop, each with their own perspectives, emotions, and ways of engaging with the world.

Parts Work Therapy is an approach that helps individuals understand and heal from trauma by recognizing and working with the different “parts” of themselves that hold various emotions, memories, and coping strategies.

It is based on the idea that the mind naturally organizes itself into different aspects, or parts, especially in response to overwhelming experiences. These parts may hold pain, fear, or protective roles, and therapy helps integrate them into a more cohesive sense of self.

In the Structural Dissociation Model, “parts” refer to different aspects of the self that develop as a way to manage overwhelming experiences. Rather than functioning as a unified whole, a person may experience a division between different self-states, especially in response to trauma. These parts serve distinct roles in coping with stress, maintaining daily life, and managing traumatic memories.

Types of Parts in the Structural Dissociation Model:

1. Apparently Normal Part (ANP) – The Everyday Self
   • Focused on daily functioning, responsibilities, and maintaining a sense of normalcy.
   • Often avoids traumatic memories and emotions to keep life moving forward.
   • May struggle with emotional numbness, detachment, or difficulty recalling past events.
2. Emotional Part (EP) – The Trauma-Linked Self
   • Holds unprocessed trauma, intense emotions, and survival-based responses (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn).
   • May emerge in response to triggers, leading to overwhelming emotions, flashbacks, or body memories.
   • Often feels stuck in the past, as if the trauma is still happening.

Parts Work Therapy can benefit anyone who experiences inner conflict, emotional distress, or difficulty integrating different aspects of themselves. While it is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, it can also support personal growth, emotional regulation, and self-understanding in a wide range of situations.

1. Individuals with Trauma and PTSD
   • Those who feel disconnected from their emotions or memories.
   • People who experience flashbacks, emotional overwhelm, or dissociation.
   • Survivors of childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse.
2. People with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) or Chronic Stress
   • Individuals who feel stuck in patterns of emotional reactivity, avoidance, or self-criticism.
   • Those who struggle with trust, self-worth, or relationships due to past trauma.
3. Individuals with Dissociative Symptoms or Dissociative Disorders
   • People who experience depersonalization, derealization, or time loss.
   • Those with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD).
4. People Struggling with Anxiety, Depression, or Emotional Dysregulation
   • Those who feel like different parts of them have conflicting needs, emotions, or reactions.
   • Individuals who experience self-sabotage, inner criticism, or difficulty making decisions.
5. Individuals Navigating Major Life Transitions
   • Those adjusting to grief, loss, career changes, or identity shifts.
   • People seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their inner world.

A session involves identifying different parts, understanding their roles in your life, and working towards reconciling and integrating these parts.

While highly beneficial for those dealing with trauma, it’s best to consult with a therapist to determine if it’s the right approach for your specific needs.

Progress can vary widely, but many clients feel improvements in their self-awareness and emotional regulation within a few sessions.

The goal is to foster internal harmony by integrating the separate parts of the personality, leading to a more stable and unified sense of self.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how Parts Work therapy can help you move towards healing and self-integration.

1. Increases Self-Compassion: Helps individuals understand and accept different aspects of themselves.
2. Enhances Emotional Regulation: Reduces inner conflict and provides tools for managing emotions.
3. Promotes Trauma Healing: Supports the integration of past experiences in a safe and structured way.
4. Improves Relationships: Helps individuals develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.