Susan Sullivan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
141 East Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
Tel: 631-223-8185
​susancsullivan15@gmail.com
Ego State Work / Parts Work
One of the biggest reasons that we do not achieve our goals in life (or in therapy) is because we have unresolved conflicts between different parts of ourselves. This isn’t meant to minimize legitimate barriers—such illness, lack of social support, finances or currently living in an unsafe environment—all of which can interfere with healing. However, if you feel stuck or unable to reach your potential despite your hard work, then parts work therapy might provide valuable insight.
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Ego State Therapy/Parts work typically involves identifying key parts of self involved in internal dynamics related to “stuckness”, inner conflict, self-sabotage, child-like behavior, avoidance, criticalness, and/or many other presenting problems (certainly, anxiety, depression, anger, shame, trusting others, and attachments). Ego State Therapy/ Parts work is about appreciating all aspects and parts of the self, known or unknown, that have contributed to your survival.
I utiilze a 6 six part basic model, working to understand how each part works independently and within the system. Most patients agree this is an easy way to understand and integrate parts work and initate healing.
Successful treatment of childhood trauma complex PTSD requires the ability to work with ego states and/or parts. . Within parts work therapy, you can achieve trauma resolution by recognizing all your parts and giving these parts a voice. The goal is to help you develop an embodied sense of self that can compassionately hold your emotions, young parts of self and felt senses. Ego State Therapy/ Parts work is about appreciating all aspects and parts of the self, known or unknown, that have contributed to survival
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Parts work provides an opportunity for someone to develop more self awareness, discernment and greater sense of self integration. The knowledge and skills of a trained therapist can hold the depth of a container that is necessary for the process of healing that can not be achieved on your own.