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Partswork 2 Discussion Forum (Jan 2020)
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Summary Post
Something that really hits for me after reading these, as well as experience, is that personal partswork is huge. It has been a big tool for creating a greater understanding within myself. Although I don’t use this in my actual coaching, I use it all the time for myself. I look at my mandala, and have a constant connection between soul and other parts. I might end up using this more in a professional setting in the future, but for now I am continuing to explore how I can best use this within myself. -
*Initial Post*
I have been working with two practice clients. I have realized when working on Partswork, it either resonates with the client or it doesn’t. I have however found that I can use Partswork creatively to fit in with the clients process.
With one particular client, I was combining Integrative Manual Therapy and coaching to inspire insight into a particular emotion that was coming up. Our intention for the coaching was centered around communicating with her brother in a loving way despite the difference in political views. The discussion opened up with some tears and some mention of childhood memory. I had tried bring up different parts before and she didn’t really seem interested but in this moment, I asked her how old she felt. She connected with a particular age in childhood and I invited this child to voice what she had to say. We were working inside a room so there wasn’t a whole lot of interaction with nature but we were able to reflect on horses and what they represented in her life growing up.
With my other practice client, he connected with a part of himself that created a lot of curiosity and the focus remained on understanding and discovering more about this particular part. We were able to bring in nature through use of a symbolic staff that represented the evolution of that part.
With both clients, we established the intention and the deeper need. I presented the exercise of identifying multiple parts and dialoguing with the soul but there was no drive for my clients to do this. Instead, the deeper need was in understanding one part. Partswork doesn’t have to be one model but a concept to help the client understand where they are and what they are changing.
I think in the future with both of these clients, there is opportunity to work with even more parts and working with one part could be a good ice breaker so to speak. The client has to feel a connection to this process. It will be interesting to continue to work with them and see if having worked with one part, they will be open to other parts. -
*Summary Post*
Parts work is a great way to create self-discovery for a client. My take away from parts work is that it is a very creative process that can create an outlet for emotion, organization to the chaos of many different processes going on internally and awareness. I feel like I understand the tool but need to continuing practicing it to gain a sense of flow in the way I facilitate the process. What better way than to practice on myself as well! -
Partswork has been one of my favorite sections. Jumping right in I found that using nature blends very well when working with the parts of a client. We had the opportunity to go out on the land and use the environment to help symbolize my clients parts. Using physical objects in nature allowed for my client to really step into each of his parts and speak from that place. At first this seemed to be a bit of a struggle, having never done partswork before I could tell speaking from each individual part was a little uncomfortable and cumbersome. After using nature to guide the experience it made it easier for my client to embody each part and speak truly without other parts interrupting. This whole process seem to bring a clarity to my client that may not have been accessible before the exercise. Going back to the interview process. Even getting to know each part during the interview seemed to bring more understanding and direction with the decision my client was facing. I plan to use parts work in my practice on a regular basis, especially when it comes to internal conflict or facing big decisions. It continually surprises me how powerful partsowrk can be at unraveling the mind and making things simple, clear and direct. I find with in myself that when thoughts seem conflicting or confusing partswork is the best method to create clear thoughts and understanding regarding decisions or confusion.
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Kevin,
Partswork is also one of my favorites. While it can be used anywhere, I find that this method works best outdoors. The coach and client need to have the space to move about and interact with the various parts and the soul. For me, having trees that were marked for removal, sturdy heavy rocks and strong healthy trees all representing different.
Like you, I find that I use Partswork to sort through my own internal conflicts. Which part of me is feeling this way? What does that tell me? I have a mandala up in my kitchen that reminds me of the relationship between my parts and my soul.
I hope that in the time since writing these, you have been able to practice Partswork both in your own life and with clients. -
Sandy,
I wonder how the experience of Partswork via Zoom went for you. Sadly, many people right now are having to find their best method of coaching during the pandemic. Is it Zoom, phone, masked up and socially distant? This seems to be a challenging time for many. But I’m glad that it seems you were able to make it work.Inviting her to use objects in her kitchen was a good idea. Not only did this exercise work in the moment, but she may be able to reflect back to this session later when she passes those salt and pepper shakers.
If anyone could make partswork work via Zoom with an 8-hour time difference, it would be you. You are a well skilled practitioner, and any client is fortunate to have you guiding them.
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**Initial Post**
As I write this, I very far behind in my course work. I wonder which of my parts contributed to such procrastination. My soul though knows the importance of completing this course and the certification.
As I reflect on Partswork 2, I am reminded of my overall mental state. Which parts were coming to the forefront, if you will. I was not in a good head space. It is interesting though to look back and remember how my coach facilitated the session. It was helpful to see my parts in 3 dimensions, out on the land. I remember there were trees marked for removal that I used as parts that needed to be repurposed, tall strong trees used for my family centered parts, and a heavy stone as my soul—immovable and everlasting.
The challenge I felt as the client was allowing all the parts, as well as the soul, a chance to speak. Many of the “bad” parts were angry and wanted to have the focus on them. (I later understood that there are no bad parts, only parts that needed to be repurposed). The soul (and my coach) gave those parts ample time to speak and helped facilitate a conversation around finding new ways to contribute to my life. The angry and anxious parts, for example, were protectors at their core. My coach helped find protector roles that were more aligned with the soul’s vision.Partswork is by far my favorite tool used in coaching. Even though my career path has shifted, I still see an opportunity to use partswork as I work with new families. I could see this as a tool to help coach parents through the anxiety and apprehension around bringing a little one into the world.
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**Final Post**
In looking at everyone’s post and listening to the recordings, I can tell that Partswork is something that excites and intrigues most of the cohort. I find the whole process fascinating and I love that it can be used in so many different settings, whether its out in nature, in a clinical office setting, in a board room, or in a client’s home.
One of the most powerful lessons that I learned though partswork was to honor each part for what the offer. There are no bad parts. And your soul doesn’t lie to you or try to shame you. For a long time, I felt like all of my parts were against me. Partswork has been a useful tool in checking in with himself and remembering that my parts are not against me. They may just need to be retooled and repurposed.
Partswork was my favorite topic, and I am glad that I got to experience it with this cohort.
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hi Josh,
I have been following your posts with interest and admiration and respect. Thank you for the reminder that there are no ‘bad’ parts.Sometimes I forget that. This was a valuable and timely reminder for me!
I hope you are well. Keep on truckin’.
xo,
Sandy