Parts and Chairwork Psychotherapy
A gentle, trauma‑informed approach to understanding inner conflict, self‑criticism, and emotional overwhelm.
What is Parts Work Therapy?
Parts Work is based on the understanding that the mind is made up of different “parts” or modes, each with its own perspective, emotions, and role. These parts often develop to help us cope or protect ourselves, especially in the context of stress, trauma, or unmet needs. Over time, some parts can become rigid, conflicted, or overwhelming. Rather than seeing these parts as problems, therapy focuses on understanding their roles, intentions, and needs, and responding to them with compassion.
Parts Work Therapy helps people:
Understand and differentiate their inner parts
Develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves
Reduce internal conflict and emotional reactivity
Strengthen clarity, agency, and self‑leadership
Watch a Brief Introduction to Parts and Chairwork
Why This Work Can Be Transformative
Experiential work helps patients relate to their parts directly, rather than only talking about them. By using physical space (such as chairs) or internal dialogues, the parts’ lived experiences are brought into the space. This makes inner processes clearer, more accessible, and emotionally engaged.
Rather than only talking about difficulties, this work allows people to:
Give voice to inner critics, vulnerable parts, and protective responses
Explore conflicting needs or decisions
Access emotions that feel stuck or difficult to reach
Understand and differentiate their inner parts
How This Therapy Helps
Through structured, experiential therapy, Parts Work supports the nervous system to move out of threat‑based patterns and toward greater understanding, compassion, and care.
Patients often notice:
Reduced inner conflict and self‑criticism
Improved emotional regulation
Greater self‑compassion and clarity
A more cohesive sense of self
Increased capacity for choice rather than reactivity
Parts Work Therapy and Chairwork may be helpful for people experiencing:
Trauma and complex trauma
Anxiety is linked to inner conflict or past experiences
Persistent self‑criticism or shame
Difficulties with emotional regulation
Relationship patterns that feel hard to shift
Feeling stuck despite previous therapy
What to Expect at ANIMA
Parts Work Therapy typically involves:
Developing a shared understanding of patterns and parts
Establishing safety and stabilisation
Experiential work (with or without Chairwork)
Ongoing reflection and consolidation
The pace is guided by what feels safe and respectful.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re considering whether Parts Work Therapy or Chairwork may be helpful for you, we invite you to get in touch.