18/09/2025
So I've been thinking about adding a blog to my website, the musings of Caroline kind of thing! Its really got me thinking about me as a therapist.
It's something I remember having to do at Uni in one of my many dreaded essays - What is my personal philosophy as a therapist?
Its really got my mind whirring! My default is to link it to my main modality - the past to present links, how the past impacts the present. But then I realise just how much I have moved into parts work. That almost visual representation of all the versions if us that make up the psyche, that to me feels like such a simple way of exploring the past.
I'm often asked by clients what parts work means? What is Psychology of Selves and Internal Family Systems?
Whilst they vary slightly, I find myself drawn to IFS in so many ways. It makes sense to me, I use it most days to understand myself and the people around me.
When emotionally triggered which part is in charge, is it the adult 'Self' the compassionate part at our core the core undamaged essence of me. Or is it one of my protective parts?
Is it a manager - the critical perfectionist aiming to prevent pain and rejection before it happens. Or firefighter? The reactive, put out the fire often through impulsive or extreme measures in order to try and protect when painful memories are starting to break through - the exiles, the wounded child, seeping through to remind us just how much this feeling hurts. Often hidden away as the feelings are so overwhelming. But if they can be 'unburdened' they can become a playful, sensitive part of the system that means the protectors don't need to try and protect, your nervous system can reset and become more neutral, not ready to jump into fight and flight, or freeze and flop.
