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The Complexity of the Human Psyche: Your Internal Personality Parts


Your Internal Personality Parts
Your Internal Personality Parts
 

Human beings are not binary entities, whose nature can be reduced to simple categories of good or evil, strength or weakness. Our personality is a complex mosaic of experiences, emotions, and beliefs that create countless shades of gray. As a result, human behavior is often inconsistent, and reactions do not always follow logical patterns. This is due to the internal dialogue between different parts of our psyche, which—though they may sometimes seem contradictory—share a common goal: to protect us and help us survive life’s challenges. Understanding this multidimensionality allows us to approach ourselves and others with greater empathy and acceptance.


The Creator of the Concept


Dr. Janina Fisher is a renowned psychotherapist and expert in trauma and clinical psychology, who has spent many years helping individuals struggling with trauma, attachment disorders, and dissociation. She is the author of numerous scientific publications and books and conducts workshops and training sessions worldwide. Fisher integrates various therapeutic approaches, such as somatic therapy, attachment theory, and the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, to support her clients in their healing process. Her work focuses on integrating the body and mind in trauma treatment and fostering an empathetic understanding of the diverse aspects of our personality.


What is the Concept of Personality Parts According to Janina Fisher?


The concept of personality parts is based on the assumption that our life experiences, especially those that are difficult or traumatic, can lead to the development of different "parts" within us. Each of these parts serves a specific protective function that helped us survive in the face of stress, danger, or emotional pain. These parts are not signs of "disorders" but adaptations that enabled us to cope with challenging situations.


According to Fisher, several primary parts respond to different challenges and threats. Each of these parts operates automatically to ensure safety, but their actions can sometimes conflict with our current goals and values. The therapeutic process involves identifying, understanding, and integrating these parts so they can function harmoniously under the guidance of the Healthy Adult.


Division of Personality Parts According to Janina Fisher


  1. Logical Part (Healthy Adult).

    This is the most mature and conscious part of our personality, representing our resources, values, and ability to make thoughtful decisions.


    How does it work?

    • It can take rational actions aligned with our long-term goals.

    • It perceives situations from the "here and now" perspective rather than reacting based on past experiences.

    • It facilitates the integration of other parts, supporting their adaptive functioning.

    • It teaches us to respond with empathy toward ourselves and others.


  2. Fighter Part

    This part is activated in situations of perceived threat and employs a fight strategy to protect us from harm or pain.


    How does it work?

    • It reacts with aggression, self-aggression, anger, or confrontation to maintain a sense of control.

    • It can be impulsive, taking actions to defend personal boundaries.

    • Its roots lie in the "fight" response to danger.


    Example: When criticized, the Fighter part may quickly retaliate to avoid feelings of helplessness. It is characterized by vigilance, which, while protective, can be exhausting.


  3. Avoidant Part.

    This survival strategy involves disconnecting from difficult emotions or situations that cause discomfort.


    How does it work?

    • It avoids problems through isolation, avoiding confrontation, or denial.

    • It may manifest as workaholism, excessive use of entertainment, or addictions, including disordered eating.

    • It is based on the "flight" response as a defense mechanism.


    Example: Someone using the Avoidant part may change the subject or avoid discussions on difficult topics to avoid discomfort. While protective in the past, this strategy can hinder emotional and social health in the present.


  4. Frozen Part

    This part responds to overwhelming situations by shutting down emotions and actions.


    How does it work?

    • It creates feelings of helplessness, emotional paralysis, or lack of energy.

    • It may result in apathy, withdrawal, or a lack of initiative.

    • It stems from the "freeze" response when no other strategy seems viable.


    Example: In stressful situations, the Frozen part may render a person unable to act, leaving them feeling trapped and overwhelmed.


  5. Submissive Part

    This part avoids danger by submitting to others and seeking to please them.


    How does it work?

    • It focuses on making others happy, often at the expense of personal needs and boundaries.

    • It seeks to minimize the risk of rejection, conflict, or criticism.

    • It originates from the "fawn" response as a survival strategy.


    Example: A person may agree to something they are uncomfortable with just to avoid conflict or gain approval.


  6. Attachment-Seeking Part

    This part desires closeness, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.


    How does it work?

    • It prioritizes building and maintaining relationships, sometimes at the expense of personal needs.

    • It can become overly dependent on others' approval or fear loneliness.

    • It stems from a natural need for attachment and security.


    Example: An individual might do anything to preserve a relationship, even if it is harmful to them.



    Functions of the Parts
    Functions of the Parts

Functions of the Parts


Each of these parts played a crucial protective role in our lives, especially during challenging experiences, often rooted in childhood. However, over time, these strategies may become maladaptive, affecting our relationships, decisions, and self-worth.


Example: A person growing up in an abusive environment with aggressive and alcoholic parents might have developed a Fighter part to remain vigilant and ready to defend themselves. Even in adulthood, when the danger is no longer present, this part may take control, leading to constant vigilance and distrust of others.


Summary


Therapeutic work in Janina Fisher's approach focuses on understanding and accepting the various parts of our personality that arose in response to difficult experiences. The central goal is to create a space where each part can be heard and understood rather than suppressed or rejected. This process relies on a compassionate approach that reveals the protective functions each part served in the past and facilitates their gradual integration with other aspects of the personality.


A pivotal element of this work is the development of the Logical Healthy Adult part, which acts as a guide, teaching us to consciously direct our lives. This allows for greater internal harmony, reduced internal conflicts, and improved capacity to respond to challenges from a "here and now" perspective, rather than being dictated by past traumas.



Sources:


  1. Fisher, J. (2017). Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation. Routledge. A key resource that provides a detailed explanation of the concept of personality parts and therapeutic strategies.

  2. Fisher, J. (2009). Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment (co-authored with Pat Ogden). W.W. Norton & Company. A book introducing somatic therapy, essential for working on the integration of parts.

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