Ego State Therapy

Ego State therapy is an extension of a common sense idea that human personality is composed of different parts, or aspects, which can be in conflict with each other. We have all heard people (including ourselves) say things like: "Part of me really wants to ... but I know it's not a good idea!" or even "I hate myself when I am like this." These different states of mind, or ego states, give the theory and the therapy their name. In this therapeutic approach, we aim to get to know individual ego states in order to understand their origins and their needs. Some ego states are close to the surface and easy to get to know, others are more hidden. Oftentimes the main part of the personality dislikes certain states that it sees as a source of problems, thinking of them as too needy, too fearful, too aggressive and so on.

In this therapeutic approach, we aim at getting to know individual ego states in order to understand their origins and their needs. Some ego states are close to the surface and easy to get to know, others are more hidden. Oftentimes the main part of the personality dislikes certain states that it sees as a source of problems, thinking of them as too needy, too fearful, too aggressive and so on. In Ego State therapy we start with the assumption that all ego states have a good reason to be there, that each one was formed in response to circumstances and, at least at one time, performed a useful function.

Some ego states emerge in response to traumatic events and come to "specialize" in certain responses, which may no longer be appropriate in other circumstances. Those responses may get triggered by certain events or aspects of the environment that are reminiscent of the original trauma, usually without the person being aware of the trigger and not knowing "what came over them". Sometimes these responses are very obvious, and sometimes they are subtle, as in habitual reactions to situations that many people accept as a given, such as being shy, or being a workaholic. In therapy, we try to befriend those parts of the personality and give space to express themselves. This usually results in a sense of relief for the whole person and an opportunity to renegotiate the way things are done inside. The Ego State approach is especially indicated when there is a lot of inner conflict, and it can be particularly useful in treating trauma.