Most of us have different aspects, "parts," or "ego states" of ourselves-the silly and imaginative five-year-old part, for example, or the depressed, anxious, or angry adolescent-which manifest as particular moods, behaviors, and reactions depending on the demands of our external and internal environments. "Ego state therapy" refers to a powerful, flexible therapy that helps clients integrate and reconcile these distinct aspects of themselves.
This book offers a grab bag of ego state interventions-simple, practical techniques for a range of client issues-that any therapist can incorporate in his or her practice. In her characteristic wise, compassionate, and user-friendly writing style, Robin Shapiro explains what ego states are, how to access them in clients, and how to use them for a variety of treatment issues. After covering foundational interventions for accessing positive adult states, creating internal caregivers, and working with infant and child states in Part I: Getting Started With Ego State Work, Shapiro walks listeners step-by-step through a variety of specific interventions for specific problems, each ready for immediate application with clients. Part II: Problem-Specific Interventions includes chapters devoted to working with trauma, relationship challenges, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, and more.
