What is Ego States and Inner Child work?

I attended Robin Shapiro's two part series on Ego States and Inner Child Trauma work in 2023. This model is evidence based and began as her most succesfyl trauma treatment in 1981. When one is put through a traumatic event or traumatic childhood, there are emotional parts (EPs) that develop. Some may include: anger, aggression, anxiety, sadness, eating disorders, substance abuse, people pleasing, dissociation, etc.

• The premise of this introspective model is to let the younger versions of yourself know that they are safe in your adult body today. We identify your ANPS (apparently normal parts) which are your best parts! These are the parts you feel great and proud of; it can include roles such as, "great daughter", "reliable friend", "caring nurse", "consistent therapy client."

• We identify the ages of the EPs and what was going on during that time which made them occur. Furthermore, we identify how they are affecting you today in a maladaptive way.

• For example, if you were bullied, you may have developed an "angry part" as a means to defend yourself back then. Now, it may manifest as being short tempered, rude, and dismissive to others. Nonetheless, we know that your adult self cannot be interact with others in this aggressive manner. Still, you may notice sometimes you revert back to this old way of behaving or experiencing emotion, especially when triggered by a traumatic event or person.

 

Ego states work is helpful to implement among all ages and diagnoses, especially Dissociative Identity Disorder. You may find more about the training and my trainer, Robin Shapiro, on her website below.