the Work...With Zara
Identity Work
Zara's Method
In 2010 I developed my unique method of parts work which I call “Identity Work”. I approach the self as a multi-faceted being, with individuated parts that may be working together, but are often working directly against each other. Many parts are fleeting, as fluid as emotions, but some are quite solid and can take over as the primary self for days, or even years. Each part has a sense of self or an “identity”, and they believe their role in the system is ultimately good and supportive of the self. From there, we begin a dialogue with a part and among parts to develop understanding, awareness, and ultimately come to agreements about how to best move forward to better support the whole self.
Identity Work: Therapeutic, Not Therapy
The practice of Identity Work is therapeutic, but not therapy. It can be as complex, deep, and intense as any self development practice, and also creates immense space for fun and play. It works well in conjunction with other forms of personal development work. For example, in the art studio, we can further explore these identities revealed by making art about them, making altars for them, and role-playing mediations (dialoguing with all the parts in a group conversation).
There is both a psychological understanding, and a spiritual unfolding that comes from being present and open to every part of yourself, regardless of your like or dislike of that part. Some moments are so intimate as to be called sacred.
Identity work is quite similar to the now popular parts work method called 'Internal Family Systems' (developed by Richard C. Schwartz), a practice of working with the parts as members of a family and applying traditional family therapy techniques to help them heal.
“Knowing I am more gives me full permission both to fully identify with a particular aspect and to then freely let it go. It’s like trying on a costume; we can have great fun wearing it and then take it off when we want to.” - Cindy Lou Golin, The Shadow Playbook
Zara's Process...Three phases of Self-Discovery:
Phase 1 -“Introductions”
In a series of 4 or more sessions we focus on getting to know your different parts.
This phase focuses on discovering the identity of the parts of you most strongly showing up in your daily life, experiences, and relationships. Who are they? What do they believe their purpose or role is? What is their positive intent for you?
We will get to know these identities through holding the first, second and third person perspectives for each of them:
Third Person- Speaking ABOUT the identity. Speaking objectively about this part you’ve discovered, writing about them, describing them, telling stories about things they have done and sharing their backstory.
Second Person- Speaking TO the identity. I may take on the identity for you to speak with, or you might imagine them in a chair next to you and speak to them in dialogue.
First Person- Speaking AS the identity. You will give voice to this part and deepen your understanding of how it wants to express itself, what it wants, needs and hopes for.
Throughout the introduction series you are encouraged to practice engaging with your identities on your own as well as in session. Once this work has begun it is common for identities to show up, asking for your attention while driving or doing chores, during a difficult conversation, or even in your dreams. You will receive tools to do this work on your own as part of your continued journey.
*At least four "Introduction” sessions are required for further Identity Work coaching. Even if you are familiar with parts work, and have identified and worked with your various parts, to prepare for further stages of Identity Work these sessions are required.
Phase 2 - “Coming together”
This phase is a series of 4 or more sessions focused on introducing your “identities” to each other. As The Self you will facilitate the conversation and any conflict by allowing them to air their grievances toward one another and the Self, uncover patterns and reactions between them and eventually bring them to reconciliation and resolution. Through the interactions among your identities you will experience greater internal cohesion and integration.
This practice utilizes a great space of imagination. You may choose to stage seating for each identity invited to the conversation and move from seat to seat as you play out the conversation or conflict. As your coach I may remain witness and observer, or actively mediate and facilitate the conversation, or participate as any identity in the conversation to help enliven the interactions. This practice can be continued through journaling- writing as one identity to another, and having a back and forth among identities, or in any format of your imagining and creating.
Getting to know each identity in introductions will increase your acceptance and compassion for yourself. And getting to know each identity in a group, working with the dynamics they pose together, greatly increases patience, acceptance, and compassion for others. Through coming to understand and accept the many and often conflicting or even contradictory parts of yourself, it will become easier to accept contradictions, conflicts and differences in and among those around you.
*You must have participated in “Introductions” coaching to move through “Group Work” coaching.
Phase 3 -“Integral Artwork and Practices”
In this phase of Identity Work you will design and implement one or more artworks, rituals, or practices to honor, deepen, and create meaningful experiences about, with, or as one or more identities. These artworks and practices have no limits but your time, effort and imagination.
They may include things like:
- Any kind of expressive medium that allows you to connect to an identity in an intentional and meaningful way- visual art, dance, performance, music, writing, ritual, etc.
- Collage art depicting an identity or any part of your Identity Work experience
- An altar to an identity- a crafted artwork, or temporary altar in their honor
- Mirror Work- looking in the mirror daily and doing a practice with an identity and the self
- A daily action significant to an identity you are working with to encourage connection, opening, healing, or integration
- A dance or movement piece
- A poem or story, written or performed
- A painting, mask, drawing, collage, sculpture, or performance of an identity's image
- A play or performance of identities
- A sacred ritual in nature, your home, or somewhere meaningful to the identity or the self
*You must have participated in “Introductions” coaching to move through “Integral Artwork and Practices” coaching.
The Work...With Zara
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