Parts Work Therapy: Work with an Experienced Parts Work Therapist in California
Do You Ever Feel Like You're at War with Yourself?
Do you feel like one part of you wants connection, while another pushes people away?
Do you have a harsh inner critic that won’t let up, no matter what you achieve?
Do you find yourself people-pleasing even when it leaves you feeling resentful or unseen?
Do you “shut down” emotionally to cope—but feel distant or disconnected afterward?
Do certain parts of you carry shame, fear, or anger that feel too big—or too much?
If any of this resonates, you're not alone—and you're not broken.
Parts Work Therapy for Self-Esteem: Heal From Within
Many people come to therapy feeling confused, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns they can’t seem to change—no matter how much insight they have or coping skills they use. This stuckness often leads to deeper feelings of worthlessness or low self-esteem, as if nothing they do is ever enough to feel better or move forward.
At Cove Counseling Group, we specialize in helping individuals in California get unstuck and heal through a variety of trauma informed modalities, including Parts Work Therapy.
Parts work therapy (also known as Internal Family Systems or IFS) helps you understand the different “parts” of yourself with compassion, not judgment. Instead of fighting with yourself, we help you build relationships with the parts of you that have been protecting, coping, or hiding for a long time.
What Is Parts Work Therapy?
Parts Work Therapy is a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS). It helps you explore the different “parts” within you—each with its own thoughts, feelings, and role in how you cope, relate, and show up in the world.
We all have parts that serve different functions: Protective parts, Wounded parts and Functional parts
These parts aren’t “bad” or “wrong”—they’re responses to life experiences, often rooted in trauma or unmet needs. When they’re in conflict or overwhelmed, it can lead to anxiety, shame, disconnection, or feeling stuck.
In Parts Work Therapy at Cove Counseling Group, we help you:
Build awareness of your inner system
Understand the protective roles of different parts
Gently connect with the parts of you carrying pain or fear
Foster internal harmony and self-compassion
Instead of pushing parts away or trying to “fix” them, this work invites curiosity, connection, and healing—so you can feel more whole, balanced, and at peace within yourself.
Why Choose a Parts Work Therapist?
Expert Trauma and Attachment Care
Our therapists specialize in healing past wounds, childhood trauma, and attachment challenges.
Personalized, Client Centered Approach
We tailor therapy to your unique internal system, ensuring a supportive and transformative healing journey.
Support for Relationships and Self-Discovery
We help clients strengthen their emotional resilience and improve their self-connection.
Who Can Benefit from Parts Work Therapy?
Our Parts Work therapists work with individuals experiencing:
Childhood trauma and attachment wounds
Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation
Self-criticism, perfectionism, and shame
Relationship challenges and intimacy issues
PTSD and complex trauma
Overworking, chronic stress, and self-doubt
What to Expect During a Parts Work Therapy Session
Each Parts Work therapy session is designed to help you safely explore and connect with different aspects of yourself. During therapy, your therapist will guide you through:
Identifying and understanding your internal parts
Developing a compassionate relationship with these parts
Processing emotional wounds and releasing burdens
Integrating all parts into a balanced and confident self
Locations We Serve
At Cove Counseling Group, we offer in-person trauma-informed therapy in San Diego for individuals who value genuine, face-to-face connection in a calming and supportive environment.
Our office is conveniently located in Mission Valley, San Diego — just minutes from North Park, University Heights, Hillcrest, and surrounding neighborhoods. You can easily find us on Google Maps and discover a peaceful space designed for healing and reflection.
Work with an Experienced Parts Work Therapist in California
If you’re ready to achieve emotional healing and self-discovery, our team at Cove Counseling Group is here to support you. Our trained therapists offer expert guidance in this powerful, transformative process.
Take the first step toward your healing—schedule a consultation and start your journey to healing and self-acceptance.
Meet Our California Based Trauma-Informed Therapists
At Cove Counseling Group, all of our therapists are trauma-informed—and several specialize in trauma recovery, including complex PTSD and attachment wounds. Each brings a unique approach, but all share a commitment to helping you feel safe, seen, and supported.
Leah Aguirre, LCSW
Diana Rabban, LCSW
Laura McLean, LMFT
FAQs About Parts Work Therapy
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We all have different parts of ourselves—like the part that wants connection, the part that feels anxious, or the part that criticizes you when things go wrong. In Parts Work, we explore these parts not as flaws, but as internal voices or patterns that often formed to protect you. Even the parts that seem "self-sabotaging" usually have a story and a reason.
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The goal is internal harmony and healing. Instead of battling with yourself or trying to silence uncomfortable thoughts or behaviors, you’ll learn to listen to and understand these parts. Over time, this allows your inner system to shift from survival mode to a more connected, integrated state—rooted in self-compassion, clarity, and calm.
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When we experience trauma—especially early or relational trauma—parts of us may hold that pain or develop protective roles (like avoidance, perfectionism, anger, or numbing). Parts Work allows you to gently connect with those parts, honor what they’ve been doing to help you cope, and begin to release the burden of old patterns. It’s especially helpful for clients with complex trauma, attachment wounds, or a sense of feeling “stuck.”
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Every session is different, but you might explore a recent trigger or emotion, and work with the parts of you that show up around it. Your therapist will guide you in slowing down, tuning in, and engaging with your inner world in a way that feels safe and grounded. You’re always in control of the pace.
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Yes, we are in-network with Aetna, Health Net and Optum/United Health. For clients with other insurance providers, we are considered an out-of-network provider—but we can provide superbills for you to submit for potential reimbursement. Many clients are able to receive partial reimbursement depending on their specific plan.
We accept all major forms of payment, including credit/debit cards, FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and HSA (Health Savings Account) cards.