Jay Noricks wrote this book while also participating (over several years) in two online discussion groups for dissociative disorders. However, the book is not about pathological dissociation. It is about the normal parts of the personalities of dissociatively normal people. It is about treating issues such as eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, depression, rage, relationship loss and other issues through accessing and healing the parts of self that block normal functioning. Healing follows quickly from neutralizing the memories of the events and experiences that brought about the existence of specialized subpersonalities in the first place. Once blocks to functioning--in the form of extreme emotions attached to partially dissociated memories--are removed, the person in therapy rediscovers her or his natural coping abilities. For the general reader, Parts Psychology describes the success stories (treatment narratives) of patients with a variety of common psychological problems. For the clinical professional, Parts Psychology offers a new psychotherapy treatment model that the clinician may add to his or her basic healing strategies.
This fascinating book describes Dr. Noricks' creative strategies for treating such issues as anxiety, depression, jealousy, grief and loss, and others. Appealing to therapists and clients alike, these are intimate and compelling accounts of emotional pain and trauma and of successful healing. Clients love the way this approach to therapy really works. --Carol L. Cathey, MPH; MS, MFT
There is a burgeoning movement in psychotherapy that makes powerful use of how we organize our daily lives in parallel tracks, or "parts." Each part has its own core emotions, its own style, worldview, and purpose. Dr. Noricks has created a guidebook to parts psychology that maps this territory with fascinating case stories. There is something to treasure for the seasoned therapist and the curious layperson alike. It is a dialogue with a master clinician; and encountering his teaching narratives will expand your view of psychotherapy and of yourself. --Hugh Marr, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, Coauthor, What Story Are You Living?
In Parts Psychology, Dr. Jay Noricks presents a bold, yet very natural theory of psychodynamics in crystal clear prose that draws the reader along with the insistency of a good mystery novel. This is not surprising because each of us presents a sort of mystery acted out by our "parts" (subpersonalities), pursuing their own concerns and relationships with other parts and persons. Noricks' approach is based in ethnology and cognitive anthropology as well as personality theory. The narrative quality of his theory of parts helps us to see the therapeutic value of folktales and other folk narratives that work collective cures by speaking to the troubled parts and separation anxieties of entire cultures. His theory of therapy helps us to see that the process of maturation as a human being involves recognizing one's own parts and promoting one or more of them to the role of in-house therapist. I strongly recommend this book to anyone seeking a better balance and synergy in the dynamics of their own personality. --Gary B. Palmer, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, Author, Toward a Theory of Cultural Linguistics
Dr. Noricks has written a lucid exposition of parts psychology, arguing that each of us maintains a variety of subpersonalities, which can function to help or hinder the attainment of our goals. By using case histories drawn from his own practice, he demonstrates the manner in which his approach deals with troubling issues like jealousy, anger, hatred, depression, and addiction and results in psychological healing. Therapists will find this book provocative and instructive, and the general public will find it intriguing and helpful. --Thomas W Hill, PhD, Former Head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Northern Iowa
Jay's form of clinical observing and reporting is a fine teaching method. It brings the reader right into the process of parts work. I was deeply engaged in it. I was understanding how the patient was empowered to bring her true self into identifying, controlling, and managing the sources of her extreme feelings and her patterns of thought that might otherwise be taken as character traits. --Louis W Tinnin, MD, Emeritus Professor, West Virginia University; Founder, Trauma Recovery Institute; Consulting Psychiatrist, Intensive Trauma Institute, Morgantown, WVA
Dr. Noricks has given us a wonderful book, which allows the reader to learn about both Parts Psychology and Internal Family Systems and their application in treatment. A masterful clinician, Dr Noricks' approach is a very readable and clear theoretical account backed up by lively case examples. It is a must read for all students and seasoned clinicians who wish to understand their clients more fully and assist in their continued growth by helping them deal with their "parts." --Paula Howie, ATR-BC, LPC, Past President, American Art Therapy Association
This remarkable book applies a radical new approach in the understanding of personality to the therapeutic task of minimizing and eliminating the effects of traumatic experiences that can burden the lives of individuals. It not only provides a valuable tool for counselors and therapists, it will help all readers to gain insight into the dynamic development of the parts of the personality in response to life experiences. --John Swetnam, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, UNLV
Contents. 1: The Parts Psychology Treatment Model. 2: Extreme Jealousy. 3: Rage with Sexual Aversion. 4: Career Loss, Procrastination and Helping Too Much. 5: Low Sexual Desire. 6: Sexual Swinging and Jealousy. 7: Letting Go of Love. 8: Binge Eating: Panic and Rage. 9: Grief, Depression, and Marital Problems. 10: Body and Beauty. 11: Gay Porn Addiction and Low Sex Drive. 12: Bulimia and Child Abuse. 13: Lifetime Depression with Anxiety. 14: Scaredy Cat and The Monster.
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