Parts Work: From Complexity to Self-Compassion

As an Advanced Clinical Resource Therapist, working with client parts (or 'Resource States') in the therapy room is the foundation of my practice. RT is both a personality theory, and an advanced parts work modality- and isn't parts work really having its moment! I am (alongside my colleagues) noticing increasingly more complex client reports of attachment trauma, mental health difficulties, and cPTSD. Therapists see this, and just want something 'more' to offer them. I can understand this fully- I often look back and think 'how did I ever manage before I learned parts work?'

Young girl in nature, perhaps the essence of the inner child

I am not ashamed to admit that I am a bit of a fangirl over a handful of Australian based trainer/therapists, who happen to also focus on parts work (of various flavours). I recently cornered the wonderful Caroline Burrows, affectionately known (by me) as the Queen of EMDR, to get her perspectives on how she views parts work fitting in to the ever-evolving therapy landscape. She would describe herself as quirky, energetic, and approachable- but I have to add that she is incredibly knowledgeable. She brings such warmth and clarity to her training work, so I wanted to include a few of her reflections too.

Caroline actually trained me in EMDR therapy, which shifted my therapy practice exponentially. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model in EMDR proposes that many emotional and psychological difficulties stem from unprocessed adverse or traumatic experiences. For me, my EMDR training put into words what I had always sensed clinically but couldn’t yet articulate. I had a similar awakening with Resource Therapy- in many ways, both approaches go beyond looking at surface-level symptoms and focus on resolving root causes of distress.

In recent years, Caroline has been adding EMDR + Parts Work trainings to her list of offerings. And it's no wonder- parts work is a match made in heaven for EMDR. Rather than viewing mental health only through categorical diagnoses or symptom clusters, the AIP/EMDR model highlights the role of unresolved memories and their influence on current functioning. Whilst Caroline and I are influenced by different parts work models, the fundamental concepts are similar. Processing unresolved material (emotions, memories, defences) held by our clients' internal Resources or States, can allow them to shift their emotional and psychological distress at a deeper level.

With EMDR Queen Caroline

Caroline described to me the process of weaving parts-based approaches into EMDR. She finds it particularly powerful when clients are experiencing ambivalence, avoidance, inner conflict, or self-criticism. Through a parts lens, she encourages therapists to see each part as an ally in the healing process rather than an obstacle. She often references the quote "what's in the way, is the way", and I personally think this is an insightful piece of wisdom for any therapist. It tells us that working with parts is not optional- in fact you are already doing it. But is much more empowering to have knowledge, skills and confidence behind you.

The Resource Therapy model recognises that distress, ‘maladaptive’ behaviours, or overwhelming emotions are carried by specific parts of self in response to past experience. By identifying, working with and speaking directly with the part that is hurt (which is unique to RT), the Resource can release this hurt, and the client can access profound relief.  More importantly, the client also begins to understand they are not “broken”- they have parts that carry earlier pain, and parts that hold strength, nurture, creativity, and joy.

Parts work ultimately has the potential to allow clients to release shame and frustration about their difficulties, reframing their stress responses through the lens of their parts' individual needs. When we highlight that a client is made up of a whole system of internal resources, we also plant seeds of hope and self-trust. Most importantly, parts work helps clients cultivate a deep understanding of themselves and a lasting sense of self-compassion.