Internal Conflict - What Does “Parts Work” Look Like in Therapy?

Imagine you’re working through a painful memory in therapy.

A part of you shows up holding the sadness — it feels heavy and vulnerable. Another part steps in quickly, saying: “Don’t go there, it’s too much.” It tries to protect you by shutting feelings down. Meanwhile, another part quietly whispers: “I just want to feel safe and free.”

In therapy, instead of fighting these parts, we listen to them all. We thank the protective part for keeping you safe. We comfort the sad part, so it doesn’t feel alone. And we give space to the part that wants healing.

This way, your inner “team” learns to work together — and you move forward with more peace, balance, and self-compassion.

Every part of you belongs. Every part of you matters, even the parts you don't like.

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