Parts Work for Dissociation

If you haven't already done so, check out "Depersonalization-Derealization Support." I often see dissociation blended with states of depersonalization and derealization. Perhaps dissociation comes first and triggers some of the other experiences. Or maybe certain symptoms and experiences then triggers derealization which then causes a part of you to react by dissociating from the bizarre experience. It can be helpful to label what we're experiencing as the first step: "Oh, the part of me that dissociates is here!" AND: I find it even more helpful to meet what we're experiencing by looking at it through the lens of Parts Work (Internal Family Systems) coined by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Maybe there's a part of you that experiences derealization. Maybe that same part dissociates. Or perhaps it's another part entirely that dissociates as a response to the part of you that experiences derealization & depersonalization. This mini "workshop" invites in the idea that these parts form as a means of protection: they developed as a response to a traumatic event or ongoing stress. While we might think WE feel frustrated or overwhelmed by the parts of us carrying heavy emotions, I've found that in reality, our true Self actually sees these parts with curiosity, compassion, and respect. Our true Self has patience and understanding for these parts. When we can learn to bring in our Self energy to name these parts, validate them, talk to them, offer some other possibilities, and continually support them so that they feel safe enough to transform over time, that's exactly where the beauty unfolds: the parts of us we thought we needed to get rid of in order to "heal" are actually the parts of us awaiting our kindness in order to transform into attributes. You might need to pause this video to jot down some thoughts once you've named your part(s). I'd gently encourage you to do just that! Once you've named your part(s), go through the process laid out in this video with the most vocal part(s). The act of writing and slowing this inquiry down will help solidify the fact that these parts are not whole you: they are fragmented, wounded, inner kiddos that developed in response to something you lived through. This is an opportunity to notice how they are waiting for the true YOU to step in as the wisest, kindest, and most supportive voice to provide them the care they've never received. If any questions come up along the way, drop them below. I'm here to help. I'd also recommend checking out Dr. Schwartz book, "No Bad Parts" to continue getting to know these profound possibilities or healing and how simple it really can be.