What Is Parts Therapy?
Understanding the Inner Voices That Shape Our Behaviour
Have you ever said to yourself, “Part of me wants to do it, but part of me doesn’t”? That’s more than just a figure of speech — it’s a clue that different parts of your mind may be pulling in different directions.
Parts Therapy is a gentle and respectful approach to exploring and resolving inner conflicts through hypnosis.
A Brief History of Parts Therapy
Parts Therapy has its roots in the work of Paul Federn, a student of Freud, and was further developed by John G. Watkins and later Roy Hunter, who popularised the structured form used by many hypnotherapists today.
The idea is simple yet powerful: the subconscious mind contains many "parts" or aspects of the self, each with its own goals, beliefs, and functions. When these parts are in conflict, it can lead to emotional discomfort, unhelpful behaviours, or inner resistance to change.
Parts Therapy helps bring those parts into communication — and eventually, cooperation.
How Parts Therapy Works
Parts Therapy is usually carried out in a hypnotic state, where the conscious mind can relax and the subconscious mind becomes more accessible.
The client is guided into a deep state of relaxation or trance.
The hypnotherapist invites the part responsible for an unwanted behaviour or feeling to come forward.
The therapist then invites the part that wants to change the behaviour or resolve the issue.
A dialogue takes place — sometimes silently, sometimes aloud — facilitated by the hypnotherapist.
The goal is for the parts to understand each other’s intentions, agree on a more helpful solution, and reintegrate in harmony.
It's essential to note that all parts of the mind are trying to help in some way, even if their methods are no longer useful or appropriate.
When Is Parts Therapy Helpful?
Parts Therapy is especially useful in situations where the client feels stuck, conflicted, or unsure why they’re behaving a certain way. It’s often used to support:
Anxiety – especially when the cause isn’t fully conscious
Unwanted habits – such as overeating, nail-biting, or procrastination
Phobias – where fear persists even when it doesn’t seem rational
Addiction support – as part of a wider therapeutic strategy
Low self-worth or self-sabotage – helping understand internal blockers
Inner criticism or indecision – when people say "I’m my own worst enemy"
It’s also valuable in cases where clients don’t wish to disclose the full details of their issue. Because the process can take place within the client’s own mind, they’re always in control of what they share.
What Does a Session Feel Like?
Clients often describe Parts Therapy as a deeply personal and reflective experience. Some feel an emotional release, while others experience insight, and many leave with a sense of inner calm and clarity they haven’t felt in years.
You don’t need to "believe" in parts for it to work — just a willingness to explore what your mind already knows.
A Gentle Path to Inner Agreement
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, habits, or just feel at odds with yourself, Parts Therapy offers a gentle and respectful way to listen to yourself more deeply — and find new ways forward.
Curious to try it for yourself?
🗓️ Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore how online hypnotherapy could help you.