Parts work therapy in the UK
Parts work offers a gentle, compassionate way to explore the different parts of yourself — those that have developed to protect you, those that carry difficult experiences, and those that may feel unheard or misunderstood.
At Holistically Human, our relational, trauma-informed approach helps you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your emotions and the patterns that shape your experiences.
We’ll take the time to understand your needs and thoughtfully match you with a qualified counsellor who can support you, either in person in Reading or online across the UK.
Start with a free 20-minute conversation to explore your options, with no pressure or obligation to commit.
Book an assessment
If you are ready to book your assessment, then use the button below to reach our online booking form. You can choose an available slot that suits you.
What is parts work?
Parts work is a way of understanding the mind as made up of different parts, each trying to help in its own way. One part of you might push you to achieve, another might want to hide, and another might still carry feelings from something that happened long ago. In parts work, you get to know these parts with curiosity rather than judgement, so the ones carrying old pain can be heard and eased.
Parts work is not a single therapy. Ideas about parts appear across several approaches, and our counsellors are trained integratively, so they draw on these ideas in a way that fits you.
Recognising, or having sometimes conflicting parts of ourselves, does not mean having multiple personalities. It is a normal part of being human, and in therapy, every part is welcome.
What is IFS therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is one of the best-known forms of parts work. It was developed by Dr Richard Schwartz, a family therapist who noticed his clients describing their inner lives as a family of parts. In IFS, some parts, called protectors, work hard to keep you safe, while others, called exiles, hold feelings that were too much at the time. IFS has its own training pathway run by the IFS Institute.
What people bring to parts work
People come to parts work with many different experiences. You do not need to understand parts work, or know your parts, before you start. You might recognise yourself in some of these:
- An inner critic that never lets up, however well you do.
- A part that always puts others first, and another that resents it.
- Feeling torn between wanting change and fearing it.
- Reactions that feel bigger than the moment, and that you cannot explain.
- The effects of trauma, especially in relationships.
- Anxiety or low mood that keeps returning.Â
How we match you with a counsellor
1. Tell us a little
Complete our enquiry form and mention that you are interested in parts work. You do not need to share your whole story.
2. Speak to a person
Book a free 20-minute introductory call. Our assessment helps us understand your needs and recommend counsellors who work with parts; a separate assessment fee may apply. If another approach might suit you better, we will tell you honestly.
3. Choose your counsellor
We suggest a selection of carefully chosen practitioners. You decide who feels right and arrange your sessions, with support from our team if you need it.
What happens in your first session
Your first session is a chance to begin getting to know your counsellor and to talk about what has brought you to therapy. They will explain how you will work together, including confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements.Â
You do not need to know or understand every part of yourself, arrive with the right words or bring a complete account of your past. You can share as much or as little as feels manageable.
Somatic parts work: working with parts in mind and body
At Holistically Humanâ„¢, parts work sits within our Whole-Human Therapyâ„¢ framework, alongside our understanding of the body. Parts often show up physically before they show up in words: a knot in the stomach when the critic speaks, a heaviness that arrives with an old sadness, an urge to leave the room. Your counsellor helps you notice these signals with curiosity rather than judgement, so you can meet the part behind the sensation.
In a session, you might talk, pause, notice your breath or turn your attention inward, sometimes with your eyes closed if that feels comfortable. We work collaboratively, with choice, sensitivity and respect for your pace.
Parts work therapy online
Parts work suits online sessions for many people, because so much of it involves turning your attention inward. Your counsellor guides you, checking in as you go, and you work from somewhere you already feel comfortable. We offer online counselling across the UK, with in-person appointments available in Berskire, London and across other parts of the UK.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to talk.
- Sessions typically last 50 to 60 minutes.
- Your counsellor will explain confidentiality and practical arrangements before you begin.
- If someone walks in or you need to stop, you can pause and return when it feels right.
Meet our Holistic Humans
If you need urgent help
We are not a crisis service and cannot respond immediately. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health help in England, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If you need someone to talk to at any hour, call Samaritans free on 116 123. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free and open 24 hours on 0808 2000 247.
Questions about parts work therapy
Is parts work the same as IFS?
Not quite. Parts work is the broad family, and IFS is one specific model within it, with its own training and certification. Our counsellors use parts work integratively, meaning they may use it solely or integrate it with a wider set of therapies.
Is parts work therapy evidence-based?
Parts work describes a way of working found across several approaches rather than a single therapy. Many clients value how gentle and respectful it feels. If our assessor or therapists feel an alternative approach would suit what you are facing better, they will walk you though what may be a better alternative.
Is parts work available on the NHS?
Parts work is rarely offered as a named therapy through the NHS. NHS Talking Therapies offers free support for eligible people in England, often with self-referral, but usually through approaches such as CBT. If you want parts work specifically, private therapy is usually the main route.
Can parts work help with trauma?
Parts work is often used with trauma, because it lets you approach painful experiences through the parts that hold them, at a pace those parts can manage. You stay in charge throughout. If trauma is your main concern, our trauma therapy page explains more about how we work.
Do I need to understand my parts before I start?
No. You do not need to have read about parts work or know anything about parts. Your counsellor will introduce the ideas as you go, in everyday language, and you can ask questions at any time.
Is parts work safe if I have been through a lot?
Parts work respects the parts of you that protect against overwhelm, so your counsellor will not push past them. You set the pace. If you are in crisis right now, please use the urgent help details on this page first.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. Some people work with parts for a few months, others for longer, especially with long-standing patterns. You can review your progress with your counsellor as you go, rather than committing to a set course at the outset.
How much does it cost?
Sessions with qualified counsellors are currently £55 to £85, and a professional assessment is £25. We also offer a free 20-minute introductory call, and we will explain the relevant fees before you book.