Parts Work in Counselling: IFS, TIST, and Inner Child Healing In Vancouver

Understanding Your Inner World:
A Compassionate Approach to Healing

Your inner landscape is a rich, complex ecosystem of experiences, emotions, and protective mechanisms. At our practice, we believe every part of you has wisdom, strength, and a story worth understanding.

What is ‘Parts Work’ Therapy?

Parts Work is like having an internal family meeting where every aspect of yourself is welcomed, heard, and respected. It's an approach that recognizes we're not a single, uniform self, but a collection of different parts with unique roles, experiences, and emotions.

Different Approaches to Parts Work

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz

  • Views the mind as a system of sub-personalities

  • Focuses on healing through compassionate inner dialogue

Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST)

  • Created by Dr. Janina Fisher

  • Specializes in healing trauma-related fragmentation (ie. ‘parts’ that are comprised of trauma responses such as freeze, fight, flight etc.)

  • Integrates neurobiological understanding of trauma

  • Helps stabilize and integrate fragmented parts of self

Inner Child Work

  • Explores early life experiences and unmet childhood needs

  • Healing developmental wounds

  • Reconnecting with younger, vulnerable parts of yourself

How Parts Work Can Help You

Our approach is like creating a gentle, internal support system where:

  • Different parts of you are understood, not suppressed

  • Traumatic experiences are processed with compassion

  • You develop deeper self-understanding

  • Internal conflicts are resolved with kindness

  • Emotional regulation becomes more natural

What You Might Experience

  • Increased self-compassion

  • Better understanding of your reactions

  • Healing from past trauma

  • Improved relationships

  • Enhanced emotional resilience

  • A sense of internal harmony and peace

Who Can Benefit from Our Approach?

Our Parts Work therapy can support individuals experiencing:

  • Childhood trauma

  • Complex PTSD

  • Attachment issues

  • Chronic anxiety or depression

  • Relationship challenges

  • Persistent emotional patterns

  • Feeling disconnected from self

  • Overwhelming emotional experiences

Our Unique Therapeutic Blend

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Our approach combines:

  • Compassionate listening

  • Neurobiological insights

  • Evidence-based techniques

  • Personalized healing strategies

  • Trauma-informed care

Therapeutic Approach Highlights

  • Gentle, non-pathologizing perspective

  • Respect for your unique inner system

  • No pressure, client-led healing

  • Safe, supportive environment

  • Online and in-person options

Your Healing Journey Starts Here

Every part of you is welcome. Every story matters. Let's explore your inner world with curiosity, respect, and compassion.

In Person Sessions in Vancouver, or Online Anywhere in BC

Located in the heart of Vancouver, our practice is dedicated to providing compassionate healing focused on creating long term change to your relationship with yourself and the world around you. We serve individuals across British Columbia, offering both in-person and virtual therapy options.

Our Registered Clinical Counsellors Strive to Bring Real Human Connection to Counselling:

  • Registered clinical counsellors with compassion centred work who are real genuine people!

  • In person sessions in Vancouver and Online Counselling in BC

  • Trauma-informed practitioners with a rich personal and professional histories

  • Evidence-based methodologies paired with holistic, mind-body care

  • Inclusive and culturally sensitive care, including attachment focused and neurodiverse affirming counselling

You're not broken. You're wonderfully, complexly human.

Take the first step towards holistic healing. Contact our Vancouver practice to schedule a consultation and get to know a bit about us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parts Work

  • Parts Work is a compassionate approach to understanding yourself as a collection of different inner "parts" or aspects. Think of it like an internal family where each part has its own role, emotions, and experiences. Instead of fighting against these parts, we learn to listen, understand, and help them work together harmoniously.

  • While traditional therapy often focuses on changing behaviours, Parts Work helps you understand the "why" behind your reactions. It's like having a kind, patient translator for your inner experiences, helping you develop deeper self-compassion and understanding of yourself.

  • Every healing journey is unique. Some people start feeling shifts in a few sessions, while others may work with Parts Work for several months. We'll collaborate to create a timeline that feels right for you, with no pressure or preset expectations.

  • Absolutely! Our online sessions are just as effective and supportive as in-person meetings. We use secure video platforms that create a safe space for your healing journey.

  • Your first session is about:

    • Getting to know each other

    • Understanding your specific needs

    • Exploring your comfort level

    • Gentle introduction to Parts Work

    • Creating a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship

  • Trust your intuition. Parts Work might be a great fit if you:

    • Are curious about your inner world

    • Want deeper emotional understanding

    • Feel ready for compassionate self-exploration

    • Are open to a gentle, non-judgmental approach

    • Desire to understand your emotional patterns

Parts Work & Inner Child Therapy
Registered Clinical Counsellor Practice | Serving Vancouver BC and Online Services in British Columbia