What Are Parts? (in Internal Family Systems)

"Parts" are essentially different aspects or subpersonalities within our mind. Imagine your mind as a community, with each part acting like a unique individual, holding its own feelings, ideas, and perspectives. These parts develop over time, often as responses to life experiences, and especially to challenging ones. They help us adapt, cope, and protect ourselves in various situations, and understanding them can help us connect deeply with ourselves.

Why We Have Parts

Everyone has parts—it's a natural aspect of the human mind. Parts might develop due to various needs or roles we take on throughout life. For example, you might have a protective part that shields you from getting hurt, a playful part that seeks fun and joy, or a wounded part that holds past pain or sadness. Each part has a positive intention, even if its method may not always seem helpful on the surface. These intentions may include things like keeping us safe, helping us succeed, or preventing further emotional pain.

How to Recognize Parts

To understand parts, start by noticing your inner world with curiosity. Parts often show up in various forms, such as:

• Emotions: When you feel anger, shame, or sadness, it’s often a part speaking up.

• Thoughts or Inner Voices: Repetitive or charged thoughts might be a part expressing itself.

• Beliefs: Parts often hold specific beliefs like, "I need to be perfect," or "I’m not good enough."

• Physical Sensations: Sometimes parts speak through the body, manifesting as tension, discomfort, or pain.

• Images or Memories: Parts might present themselves as memories or visuals from past experiences.

By tuning into these feelings and thoughts, we begin to see these parts not as our whole identity, but as facets of our larger self.