All trauma victims have Parts that are harder to handle than others. Parts like Rage, Terror, and Judgment are ones that many people would rather just forget about entirely. But trying to forget about them isn’t going to make them go away, and it won’t address the inherent issues the individual is experiencing because of them.
It is just as important to learn more about these Parts as it is the others. And once you do, it can be such a positive experience for you. Let’s talk about why that is the case.
Why are Difficult Parts so Difficult?
As a trauma victim, the difficult Parts that are expressing themselves in your life are difficult because they feel a need to protect you. Interestingly enough, they are so sure of their need to protect you that they can feel scary at times.
Remember, these Parts are not there to harm you in any way. They are there because they feel responsible for you, and they may feel responsible for other Parts too, like the childlike one that feels afraid and timid.
Getting to Know the Difficult Parts
It may not seem like there is much value in getting to know these Parts at all. But there is great value because of what happens once you begin to get curious about Parts like Despair and Anger.
As you get to know these Parts and learn more about them, they begin to change. Remember, they were forced to be the way they are. Up until you began getting curious about them, they acted in the way they felt was right. It was the only thing they knew to do.
Good Parts Vs. Bad Parts
You may be struggling with thinking about your Parts as either good or bad. But according to Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, author of Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model, “…there aren’t any inherently bad parts, just good parts in bad roles.”
These Parts bear some heavy burdens from the past. They may have grief, strong emotions, and extreme beliefs because of the trauma they suffered. But when you look at them without any judgment and with an open heart, they will help you in your journey toward healing.
It is completely understandable if everything that is in you is against working with the “bad” Parts. Most people feel nervous about this because, for example, Anger often brings several other Parts along with it, such as Hatred and Fear. But those Parts can take a step back too, allowing you to focus only on the Anger.
Trauma Therapy Can Help the Healing Process
Navigating trauma recovery can be very difficult, and this is not a journey that anyone should try to go through alone. Trauma therapy can provide you with the type of support you need as you work through the healing process at your own pace.
The Internal Family Systems Model of trauma therapy can make a big difference for you, just like it has for many others. Please contact me for an appointment.
