The power of Ego State Therapy

One of my favorite therapy styles that I love to use in my sessions is Ego State Therapy, also known as Parts Therapy or Ego State Hypnosis. This therapeutic approach is rooted in the principles of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. It operates on the premise that the human psyche is composed of various subpersonalities or "ego states," each with its unique traits, beliefs, and memories. 

In Ego State Therapy, a therapist guides you into a relaxed state of hypnosis to access these different ego states. Through dialogue and visualisation techniques, the therapist helps you explore and understand the roles and functions of each ego state, as well as any conflicts or imbalances between them. This method can be highly effective for a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues. It offers a holistic approach to healing that empowers clients to tap into their innate resilience and potential for growth. 

Parts Therapy is a specific technique within the broader scope of Ego State Therapy. It focuses on identifying and dialoguing with specific parts or subpersonalities that may be contributing to the client's symptoms or challenges. Parts Therapy aims to resolve internal conflicts and promote healing by facilitating communication and negotiation between different parts, often using visualisation and imagery techniques. 

During sessions, I employ various techniques to access my clients' parts, either under hypnosis or just in a relaxed state. Both methods are effective, though hypnosis usually allows for a deeper exploration and reveals more parts willing to participate in the discussion. Once my client is in a relaxed hypnotic state, I have them tap into the feeling behind the issue, intensifying the emotion to ensure the right part is in control at that moment. 

Let me explain a bit more about parts: every person has around 150 parts, each assigned to a different role. For example, one part might be great at driving, another at cooking, and another at maths. Parts are assigned when a need arises, with 10-15 used regularly and the rest as needed. When something traumatic happens, often at a young age, a part takes on the role of protecting the self from similar future events. As we grow older and learn new skills and coping mechanisms, these protective parts often remain unaware of these changes and react in the juvenile way they learned years ago. This is why many people cannot understand their reactions, even when other parts and the self would respond differently. 

At any given time, only one part can be in charge, meaning we shift from part to part as needed. While most parts are aware of each other, some are self-protected and isolate themselves. We all have a 'boss' part meant to oversee all the parts. However, if this boss part is unaware of its role or lacks the confidence to take charge, the other parts can run riot, leading to inner turmoil. Additionally, some parts may not get along and have vastly different opinions on what is best for the self and the collective parts. For example, you might feel an urge to buy something impulsively, driven by a part that seeks immediate gratification, only to be countered by another part that considers financial responsibility, leading you to walk away without purchasing it. 

The fascinating aspect of parts is that they are aware of a multitude of things happening around us, while the self can typically only focus on five to seven things at once. When parts react to a situation that seems unconnected, they often see subtle connections that the self might miss. This heightened awareness can work in our favor once the parts are taught about reality and integrated properly. 

In a session, I work respectfully with the part causing the issue, seeking permission for everything I do. I discover their name (or help them choose one if they don't know it), their role, how long they have been around, their awareness of other parts, and their perceived age of the self. Troubled parts are often young, alone, scared, and just want to be loved. By teaching them about reality, introducing them to other parts, and giving them access to the combined knowledge of all parts, I help them heal and grow. 

There are no bad parts, just ones that need guidance. I never punish or diminish a part's role; instead, I work with love and acceptance. I offer every part the chance to learn, grow, and change roles if they wish. I also empower the boss part to oversee, learn, delegate, and help the other parts. Parts want the self to be happy and proud of their work and will happily change if they see the benefit. 

During a session, clients can converse with me, often thinking they are not hypnotised, yet they are surprised by their answers and the distinct voices of different parts. Young parts speak like children, often in whispers, while adult parts, like the boss, speak with authority. Once parts are redirected and the client awakens from hypnosis, they may not remember the discussion if the parts deem it unnecessary, but their behavior will improve. 

I have had great discussions with clients' parts—funny, cheeky, strong, scared. All are grateful for the help, and when I see them again, they happily report their progress. I set up signals for parts to request further help, and clients often return without knowing why, only to find a part needing attention. 

As you can see, this is why I love this part of my job. I have discovered parts responsible for different phobias, habits, and even those holding the self back, helping them release and become what they always wanted to be.