A part of me feels ......, but another part of me feels ...... 

Sound familiar?  A part of you that wants to get sober, but another part that isn't ready.  A part that knows I need to end this relationship, but another part that doesn't want to be alone.

Ego State Parts Work is a therapeutic approach that works with different states that exist within us. Some parts of us are positive, strong, and reliable to help us function. Some parts of us are carrying old wounds of fear, shame, guilt and wants to hide. Parts that are stuck at a certain age or situation of your life. 

With each life experience, we build connections that include thoughts, emotions, and actions. Over time, repeated events make thicker and stronger connections.  Our reactions patterns become automatic much like driving without much effort in thought of each step that is needed to drive, for example. 

When these repeated events are traumatic, your system becomes overwhelmed and you may learn to shut down, avoid, or suppress some of these wounds, and create new parts in order to function and get through your day to day like work, parenting, or school.

However, these other parts that contain old wounds may suddenly show up if what's happening around us in the present is triggering a similar feeling from the past.  It shows up with agitation or shutdown and difficult to regulate.  

Ego State Therapy allows you to identify the different states you're carrying, learn to be accepting of them in order to gain understanding, and begin healing the thoughts, emotions, and reactions they carry.  A "reparenting" of yourself, so to speak. The goal is not to get rid of these parts of you but rather, to integrate it with the person you are in the here and now of your life so that you're living fully engaged in the present. You still have that playful child within you, but with a wise adult that is not easily overwhelmed by the need to make adult decisions or face adult responsibilities. 

Ego State Parts work, combined with EMDR and Somatic Therapy, is effective for Anxiety, PTSD, Complex PTSD, and Dissociative Disorders as they all involve symptoms of avoidance and/or disconnect.

If you feel this is the right approach for you, please contact me.