It is common for clients to feel frustrated with prior therapy because particular behavior patterns were stigmatized and misunderstood. Hopefully, you have found some relief and learned coping skills. However, you may continue to be frustrated, still trying to calm the turmoil within yourself.
Ego state therapy allows you to explore your own unique inner world. Curiosity is a beautiful tool for understanding why your mind developed in the way it formed. Increasing self-awareness will help you to regulate your emotions with mindfulness, and self-compassion.
It is normal human development for all individuals to create separate “parts” of the personality, which hold “ego states.” A simple example of recognizing the various parts of yourself may be: “Part of me wants to go to the party and part of me would rather stay home tonight!” Or “part of me is committed to being healthy and yet part of me could care less and just wants to eat this entire bag of chips right now!” Although it may feel disruptive and frustrating, our parts allow us to think, adapt, and make choices specific to our situation.
When our experiences are chronically stressful and overwhelming, these normal parts of us may feel a bit fragmented, rigid, or demanding. While it can feel like internal chaos or turmoil at times, these are simply young parts of us that need connection, protection, and support. Integrating a therapeutic approach to working with ego states allows us to understand what feels chaotic within ourselves. Together we explore all of the unique aspects of who you are, gaining awareness of the various states and changing emotions you experience.
All of the parts of our personalities were created for good intent, although they may now seem to control our lives. You may be frustrated with a particular pattern of behavior in your life, such as choosing the wrong intimate partners, again and again. You may hate the part of you that is overcome with anxiety in social settings. You might wake up with great intentions and a positive attitude only to feel like something inside takes over leaving you lonely and in a state of despair for the next few days.
We will explore the parts of you that developed out of necessity or protection, usually early in life and were in some way useful at the time. Because most of our parts developed when we were young, they hold unsophisticated defense mechanisms, such as responding impulsively or defensively or shutting down to get a need met.
This psychodynamic approach is founded on psychoanalytic theory. I have studied Internal Family Systems (IFS), similar to ego state therapy, and use this methodology in my work. IFS is effective for resolving internal conflicts and bringing calm to what feels like chaos inside ourselves.
Working with your parts is a beautiful approach to gain insight and deep understanding…
This methodology often allows us to work through the barriers where we feel stuck, processing the anger, resentment, pain, and trauma held within. Great freedom can be found in processing the burdens you carry. We work to create compassion, forgiveness, and empowerment by allowing your mind and body to release the anxiety, depression, and other states held by all the various parts of you.
Mind and Body Therapy 