Common Inner Parts in Somatic Therapy
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery through psychotherapy, somatic therapy, or holistic counseling involves understanding the inner landscape of the psyche and the diverse aspects of Self. This kind of mind-body approach to healing is often woven into what is called Parts Work, a therapeutic process that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the self. By identifying and integrating these internal parts, individuals can cultivate greater emotional resilience, self-awareness, and inner balance. Understanding these common internal parts can offer valuable insight into your emotional patterns and behaviors.
Below are common parts that might emerge in an individual, but not every person holds their unique mosaic of parts.
Protector Parts
These are the aspects of yourself that developed to keep you safe from emotional pain or allow you to feel in control of challenging situations. When unattended, these parts may contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Common protector parts include:
The Inner Critic – Judges, criticizes, and pushes you to do better to avoid failure or rejection.
The Perfectionist – Strives for flawlessness to gain approval and prevent shame.
The People-Pleaser – Avoids conflict by prioritizing others’ needs over your own.
The Controller – Tries to manage every detail of life to prevent uncertainty.
The Hyper-Achiever – Pushes you to work harder and succeed at all costs.
The Skeptic/Doubtful Part – Questions everything to avoid being hurt or deceived.
Wounded or Exiled Parts
These parts hold deep emotional wounds and are often hidden away to protect you from pain. They frequently relate to unresolved trauma and childhood emotional wounds.
The Wounded Child – Holds memories of neglect, abandonment, or emotional pain.
The Shameful Part – Feels unworthy, not good enough, or fundamentally flawed.
The Rejected Part – Struggles with feeling unwanted or unlovable.
The Angry Part – Holds suppressed rage from past injustices.
The Fearful Part – Triggers anxiety to keep you alert to danger.
The Grieving Part – Carries sadness and unresolved loss.
Firefighters or Emergency Responders
These parts activate when emotions become overwhelming and often use extreme coping mechanisms, sometimes leading to addiction, emotional numbing, or dissociation.
The Addictive Part – Seeks relief through substances, food, social media, etc.
The Numbing Part – Shuts down emotions to avoid feeling pain.
The Impulsive Part – Engages in risky behaviors to escape or feel alive.
The Avoidant Part – Distracts with procrastination, binge-watching, or overworking.
The Dissociative Part – Disconnects from reality when emotions feel unbearable.
Wise & Higher Self Parts
These parts hold inner wisdom, creativity, and intuition, helping you reconnect with your authentic self.
The Self (Core Self) – Your true, calm, compassionate, and wise inner leader.
The Inner Guide – Intuitive, spiritual, or wise aspect offering insight.
The Healer – Helps other parts process and integrate emotions.
The Playful Part – Brings joy, spontaneity, and creativity.
The Adventurer – Craves new experiences and exploration.
The Compassionate Caregiver – Extends kindness to yourself and others.
Shadow Parts
These are the hidden or repressed aspects that get rejected due to social conditioning or personal beliefs. Often, these parts hold shame and require acknowledgment to integrate fully.
The Jealous Part – Feels envy but might be denied or ignored.
The Self-Sabotaging Part – Blocks success out of fear of change.
The Victim – Feels powerless and stuck in hardship.
The Manipulative Part – Uses persuasion or control to get needs met.
The Dark or Aggressive Part – Holds suppressed anger, resentment, or rage.
Archetypal or Cultural Parts
These parts are influenced by society, culture, and generational patterns, shaping how we navigate relationships and personal identity.
The Good Daughter/Son – Tries to meet family expectations at the cost of personal desires.
The Rebel – Challenges authority and resists societal norms.
The Warrior – Fights for justice, survival, or personal goals.
The Caregiver/Nurturer – Feels responsible for others’ emotional or physical well-being.
The Lone Wolf – Prefers independence and resists dependence on others.
The Outsider/Misfit – Feels different, unseen, or disconnected from society.
Embracing Your Inner Parts for Healing
By engaging in parts work within somatic therapy, we create a compassionate space to listen to, understand, and integrate these diverse aspects of ourselves. You can read more about the benefits of parts work here.