What Your Inner Parts Might Be Trying to Tell You

Living with chronic pain can stir up a lot of inner conflict. One part of you wants to rest.

Another part feels guilty for slowing down. One part feels discouraged and exhausted,

while another pushes you to keep going, telling you to “tough it out” or “push through.”

It can feel like an internal tug-of-war—loud, confusing, and draining.

This is where “parts work”—an approach drawn from Internal Family Systems

(IFS)—can be incredibly helpful. IFS is based on the idea that we’re not just one single,

unified self. We’re made up of many different “parts,” each with its own perspective,

emotion, and intention. Some parts try to protect you. Others carry hurt. Some are loud

and insistent, while others may be quieter or harder to reach.

These parts aren’t bad or broken. They’ve developed over time to help you navigate

difficult experiences—and often, they’re doing their best to protect you from pain,

disappointment, or overwhelm. Even the parts that seem harsh or self-critical are

usually trying, in their own way, to keep you safe.

When you begin to gently turn toward these parts with curiosity—rather than trying to

shut them down or push them away—something shifts. The inner noise starts to soften.

You begin to see the why behind your reactions. That part that sounds critical? It might

be terrified of being judged or falling behind. That part that always wants to push? It

may carry the belief that slowing down isn’t safe. As you gradually begin to understand

their concerns, you start to respond with more compassion instead of judgment.

In chronic pain work, this kind of inner listening can be powerful. Many parts have been

working overtime to keep you functioning in a body that doesn’t always feel reliable.

When these parts are heard—truly heard—and supported with care, the system begins

to settle. The body may start to release some of its tension. The mind feels less

scattered. And a little more ease becomes possible.

You don’t have to fight with yourself to move forward. You don’t have to silence your

inner voices to feel peace.

Sometimes, just listening is enough to create change.

Your inner parts have something to say. And making space to hear them isn’t

indulgent—it’s part of healing. It’s part of reconnecting with who you are beneath the

pain, and building a kinder relationship with yourself.