Brain Body Bestie

Have you heard about Parts Work?
Me neither—until this past week. I was listening to a podcast called Hidden Parts by Tracy Candido, and let me tell you—this thought experiment was a total game-changer for me.

So, what exactly is Parts Work?
In simple terms, it’s a therapeutic and self-reflection practice that helps us recognize the many “parts” or sub-personalities inside of us. Think of them as little voices or inner roles: the achiever, the critic, the nurturer, the worrier, the procrastinator. Instead of shaming or fighting these parts, Parts Work encourages us to notice them, understand what they need, and give them space. At its heart, it’s about creating inner harmony so we’re not led by just one loud, anxious voice.

Why it clicked for me

What I love about Parts Work is how practical it feels. For example, I can look at a task I’ve been procrastinating on—maybe a simple email or household chore—and instead of spiraling into guilt, I can pause and ask: Why does this small thing feel so heavy right now? When I do that, I often find there’s a “part” of me that feels tired, scared, or overwhelmed. And instead of letting that part call the shots, I can gently invite forward the part of me that wants progress, momentum, and peace.

It reminds me so much of the Disney movie Inside Out 2. They beautifully illustrated how complex our emotions are, and how messy life gets when one emotion takes control. That’s basically Parts Work in action: learning to recognize all the inner voices without letting just one overwhelm the rest.

How to find your “parts”

The process is surprisingly simple—you don’t need a therapist to get started, just curiosity.

• Notice your self-talk when you’re stressed or avoiding something. Do you hear a voice that sounds critical? Protective? Tired?
• Try naming these parts: “the perfectionist,” “the comfort-seeker,” “the brave one.”
• Instead of pushing them away, ask: What do you need right now? How can I help you relax?

When you do this, you’ll start to see patterns in how your inner world works. And once you recognize the parts, you can invite balance.

Why Parts Work belongs in your self-care toolkit

Life isn’t about silencing parts of ourselves—it’s about integrating them. Parts Work helps with:

• Coping with anxiety: Naming your anxious part makes it feel less overwhelming.
• Managing everyday stress: You learn to spot the stressed-out part before it takes over.
• Becoming your best self: You can intentionally call forward the motivated, compassionate, or confident parts of you when you need them most.

For me, it feels like having an inner team meeting—everyone gets a say, but I decide which voice leads. That shift alone has helped me approach stress, procrastination, and even self-doubt with more compassion and clarity.

✨ Adding Parts Work to your self-care practice is like giving yourself an emotional roadmap. The parts of you aren’t your enemies—they’re guides, helpers, and sometimes protectors. The more you understand them, the more whole you become.