Gestalt Parts Work utilizes the unconscious mind/imagination to explore levels deeper than conscious, cognitive processing. Through this exploration, old patterns, traumas, wounds and unexpressed aspects are given voice and the door is opened to profound changes.
All parts (subpersonalities, aspects) of the self are accepted equally, with no judgment about each one’s characteristics and reason for existing. There are no “bad” parts. Every aspect has a role, and uncovering that particular “actor” and its script is an awakening experience. Each subpersonality is doing its best to serve you, and to complete the task it was assigned as a response to varying rewards, punishments and experiences in your life.
The key is learning to accept/befriend each part in order to understand yourself better.
While each person has unique subpersonalities, common archetypal examples include:
- Child (children)
- Warrior
- Wise Self
- Mother
- Father
- Fear
- Anger
- Critic
- Champion
- Perfectionist
- Rebel
- Victim
- Perpetrator
- Rescuer
- Martyr
- Authoritarian
- Protector
- Saboteur
Parts often form coalitions, cliques or alliances. Uncovering these energy groups and redirecting their focus can noticeably change your inner world.
Exploring your inner cast of characters is educational, healing and transformational.
*Everyone has sub-personalities/parts, which is normal and different from what used to be called multiple personality disorder (now dissociative identity disorder).