In this video I provide an overview of the concept of parts work and how to apply it in therapy.
We all have different 'parts' or different sides of our personality. You may, for instance, have a self-critical part, as well as a part that is capable of self-compassion. And based on which is in control, it will feel very different to be you. This is not woowoo stuff. It is based on how the brain it wired. The brain is a parallel processor, so it doesn't store all information and learning in the same place. Rather, unique 'neural nets' get set up that hold related learning and memory. So when one is activated, then a particular learned set of behavior (like judging ourselves) might suddenly have us in its clutches, whether we like it or not. Visualizing these learned sets of behavior (and the emotional associations that come with them) as parts of ourselves, allows the brain to step back and get perspective and understanding, rather than just being IN it. That type of observation creates the distance we need, so that we are no longer being controlled by any one part, but rather can simply figure out what it needs to let go.
This process is amazingly liberating and empowering, both in terms of having more control of our emotions and our behaviors. That is why so many forms of therapy will use 'parts' language, the most famous of this kind of parts work therapy is Internal Family Systems (IFS).