Working with Inner Parts

It can almost feel like a form of self-betrayal when we try to get rid of our inner resistance, unwanted coping strategies, or the parts of ourselves we experience as destructive. Many people tell me they want to "eliminate" certain aspects of their personality or behaviour—preferably as quickly as possible. It is completely understandable that we would like to get rid of the parts that seem to stand in the way of the life we want. Yet these parts are an essential part of who we are, and they exist for a reason.

For me, inner work begins with curiosity and the willingness to explore what is truly happening within us. Who are these different parts of ourselves? What are they trying to communicate? What needs do they carry, and what purpose have they served?

Communicating with Our Inner Parts

Parts work invites us to turn our attention inward and develop a conscious relationship with ourselves. Inner conflicts become visible and can gradually be explored and resolved. The parts we would rather reject can be understood with compassion and eventually integrated into our personality.

Although some of these parts may appear self-destructive today, they once served an important survival function. Younger wounded parts and old coping strategies often remain emotionally trapped in the past, responding to situations as if the original danger were still present. Therapy allows these parts to come into awareness, receive the care they once needed, and gradually realise that life today is different. The past is over.

Emotions and Memories as a Path to Healing

Each inner part carries its own emotions, memories, and bodily sensations. Through therapeutic work, feelings and memories that are usually hidden from everyday awareness may begin to emerge. When we constantly try to suppress or avoid these experiences, our body often expresses this through tension, emotional distress, or physical symptoms.

In The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk describes how our relationship with ourselves is deeply connected to our capacity for self-leadership and self-regulation.

The Therapeutic Process

Parts work can be approached in different ways—for example through chair work or by creating an inner stage where different aspects of ourselves can be heard. As understanding and emotional experience deepen, genuine change becomes possible.

An essential part of this process is strengthening the healthy adult self while developing and accessing inner and outer resources. In my therapeutic work, I also focus on gradually expanding the capacity to experience emotions safely while actively including the body throughout the healing process.

From Skepticism to Curiosity

When I first encountered parts work, I could hardly imagine what it meant. The concept initially seemed strange, and I found it difficult to accept the idea that we all consist of different inner parts.

Over time, however, this skepticism gradually transformed into genuine curiosity. Through various professional trainings, I gained a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations as well as the many therapeutic approaches to working with inner parts.

Finding the Right Approach Together

Whether parts work is the right approach for you is something we will explore together during our sessions. Every person is different, and not everyone resonates with this method.

There are various models and perspectives on parts work, each with its own understanding and practical application. I see myself as a companion on your inner journey, and together we decide which steps best support your individual process.

Recommended Resources

I also recommend the group work developed by Prof. Franz Ruppert, as I have personally found it valuable. His method, known as the Intention Method (Anliegenmethode), is based on his approach of Identity-Oriented Psychotrauma Theory (IoPT). Today, many therapists throughout Germany have been trained in this method and offer this form of self-exploration.

For anyone interested in learning more, I recommend the following books:

• Introduction to Ego State Therapy by Kai Fritzsche & Woltemade Hartman

• No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz

Final Thoughts

This article, together with my reflections on my own therapeutic journey and my professional work, is not intended as a promise of healing. Every therapeutic process is unique and influenced by many internal and external factors.

My intention is simply to inspire curiosity and encourage you to explore your own inner world with openness and compassion.