The human mind is made up of a system of Parts, and when there are differences between the parts, the situation can often escalate into polarization. This is a concept that most people can easily understand because we have all found ourselves in it at one time or another.
In the book, Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model, Dr. Richard C. Schwartz discusses this in great detail. He gives the example of a person who is having an argument with someone and they take a position they do not believe in simply because the other person’s position was too extreme. It happens in families all the time, just for the sake of being right. The same type of situation also happens internally within the Parts of the mind.
Counteracting Polarization
For people who have experienced a traumatic event, polarization is quite common. Their Parts take their stances, and getting them to budge from those stances can be a significant challenge. But it can be done with the right therapeutic approach.
Dr. Schwartz discusses a client by the name of Diane, who had many polarized Parts. She was constantly dealing with a critical voice that would reprimand her anytime she sat still or took a break from her work. She had another Part that would binge eat as a way to deal with the constant pressure from the critical Part.
Both Parts were at constant odds with each other because they both believed that they were in the right. Even more than that, they both believed the other was bringing her down. Both had the goal of protecting Diane from any further trauma.
Effective leadership of the Self is the only way to counteract this polarization. The Parts must learn that the Self is in charge, and when given the opportunity, they can come to trust the Self. In Diane’s case, this meant that the critic was able to transform into more of an advisory role, and the binge eater was able to transform into more of a reminder to stay calm and relax.
Overcoming Polarization Opens Doors to Other Parts
When two Parts are polarized against each other, they can effectively drown out the voices of other Parts, which also deserve to have their voices heard. Diane was able to access the more vulnerable, childlike Parts that were causing her to be sad once the critic and the binge Parts were understood and given their proper roles.
Every Part can thrive in its rightful place once the Self takes over. But most people do not even understand the role of the Self, let alone believe in its existence. That is where appropriate trauma therapy can help.
Working with a trauma therapist who understands these concepts will allow people to see themselves differently. With the right guidance, they can learn to identify their Self and then see their Parts for what they really are – inner voices that deserved to be heard and understood.
If this is a new concept for you, and you have gone through a traumatic event, you may find it to be intriguing. I would love the chance to talk with you about your situation and find out if working together could help you heal. Please contact me for an appointment.
