Parts Work in Therapy

In this video I provide an overview of the concept of parts work and how to apply it in therapy.

We all have different 'parts' or different sides of our personality. You may, for instance, have a self-critical part, as well as a part that is capable of self-compassion. And based on which is in control, it will feel very different to be you. This is not woowoo stuff. It is based on how the brain it wired. The brain is a parallel processor, so it doesn't store all information and learning in the same place. Rather, unique 'neural nets' get set up that hold related learning and memory. So when one is activated, then a particular learned set of behavior (like judging ourselves) might suddenly have us in its clutches, whether we like it or not. Visualizing these learned sets of behavior (and the emotional associations that come with them) as parts of ourselves, allows the brain to step back and get perspective and understanding, rather than just being IN it. That type of observation creates the distance we need, so that we are no longer being controlled by any one part, but rather can simply figure out what it needs to let go.
This process is amazingly liberating and empowering, both in terms of having more control of our emotions and our behaviors. That is why so many forms of therapy will use 'parts' language, the most famous of this kind of parts work therapy is Internal Family Systems (IFS).

[soulfulandallthat]

This video should be renamed as " How to explain parts work without sounding like a maniac to normal people"😂😂 Beautifully explained! 💕

[ascensionsoul]

Parts work is so important and critical. As an IFS trained therapist, I am super grateful to see this content being watched by so many people. I am very passionate about IFS and send people to Dr. Olds work in preparation for our sessions. I am an advocate for low cost IFS, and hope to that this content can help people understand IFS. The challenge becomes when they start looking for an IFS therapist, the cost can be prohibitive. I don't believe people should have to take a second job to experience Parts work as IFS is very popular right now. I have stayed committed to keeping my rates affordable so people can get the benefit and hope other IFS therapists will do the same. It's just not affordable when people charge $250 -$350 a session.

[FrilledMayfly_AmberlyFerrule]

IFS has literally changed my life, working with my various parts has been helping me though a whole lotta trauma and made remembering everything less painful. It's like I'm no longer alone in my head

[tahirrazzaq]

You explained this so well!! My therapist isn’t a parts specialist but she has enough knowledge of it. We combine parts and EMDR to introduce new ideas about past experiences, hoping to reconnect myself to me emotions and body. Numbness and disconnection is no fun.

[paigeboyatzis]

This explains parts work so eloquently, especially the difference between CBT and parts work. I often find that CBT encourages a person to be in opposition with their parts as opposed to being in true dialogue. I think CBT often discourages seeking emotional information from parts, and rather just seeks to present them with "factual" observations (misunderstanding that facts are always coloured by emotional interpretations). This can be disconnecting between parts who feel they aren't being heard, rather that they are just being argued with. Thanks for this video, it's helped me clarify some things for how I practice :)

[intrinsicallysleepy]

You have a really calming, but not boring voice in my opinion. It’s really nice to listen to ☺️
I hope that isn’t weird to say!
Thank you for making this video and for having subtitles!

[madz]

I started this therapy recently. I've only had a few sessions but I think it's gonna be really helpful.

[littlestbroccoli]

It's very encouraging seeing how many therapists and professionals you have in your audience. I want to advocate for more emotional recognition in psychotherapy, but I am just one layman/client. Seeing this helps to envision a time when CBT will be one of several scientifically valid and insurance-covered treatments, not the only one. A time when the rest of us will be able to heal and address trauma, not be coerced out of talking about it. Thank you for what you're sharing and working on here.

[graciela_digitalnomad]

Dr Tori you're a blessing to this world. I never encountered someone who can explain complex theories, therapeutic methods and concepts so eloquently. You are able to break them down into simple digestible ways that are easy to understand and relate to. Keep them comin 🙏 Thank you ❤

[AilsiePath]

I've been helping to heal someone with PTSD. Thank you, I love how you teach, thank -you

[ableanswer]

Your work has spurred salient, comprehensive clarity about my intrapersonal world. I am a self diagnosed high functioning autistic. How might autism affect my schemas and parts?

[LuisBohorquezJr]

I love this. My therapist and I have been working using parts work. Not necessarily IFS but pretty much as you are describing here. It took me a bit to buy into this until I talked to my protector and everything changed from there. Thank you this video, it gave me a lot more insight. I am going to share this with my therapist.

[JosephineMcMullen]

After watching this video, my husband is obsessed with parts work right now. (And I love it, too.) Thank you for creating this video. (And I love how you gesticulate. I do the same thing when I'm making a speech. It's not distracting. In fact, I think it's enhancing.)

[TheAweslims]

This is great! I love using parts work- I’ve always heard about it in more of the spiritual/metaphysical realm, so I enjoyed hearing it from this perspective too!

[Galia.Solange]

Thank you for sharing. I just had my first IFS session and the level of healing was so surreal I wouldn’t have believed it if anyone had told me… thank you for making this content available and spreading the word ☺️

[KamalaTahyi]

I actually, finally, understand parts work

[PaulKellieMusic]

This was really helpful. Thank you. I'm starting parts work with my therapist and EMDR- it's very intense, and things like this really help.

[jamieslate]

What a wonderful explanation. I want to share this approach with the world because it is so awesome!

[arkieologist]

Your voice is very soothing and lovely to listen to. ❤️ (Coming from an avid YouTuber) Grateful for psych education like this. Thank you.
Recognize you have a great setup for audio and video. 💯

[tygereyes]

As a fellow clinician, I really enjoyed his video and am a big fan of the work Ronnie Janoff-Bulman (e.g., Shattered Assumptions) and, in general, Social Cognitive Theory. Nicely done. PS: I hope your thumb has long since healed. Blessed be.