Session Focus

Broad check-in after several weeks, with focus on the impact of the mother’s recent visit, self-critical thinking, and associated stress and tiredness.

Presenting System and Client Concerns

Client described feeling scattered, tense and emotionally tired, with work stress and recurrent sensitivity to criticism. Maternal comments were experienced as activating and left her feeling ashamed, angry and “not enough.”

Parts Identified

A self-critical part/inner critic; a younger part that wants maternal approval and feels “human” rather than pathetic; an angry part that is not easily expressed; a polite/compliant part that cleans, overexplains and manages others’ reactions; and a fearful part that freezes when boundaries are needed.

Part Roles, Fears and Protective Intentions

The self-critical part appeared to attack vulnerability and shame her for wanting care. The compliant/manager part seemed aimed at preventing criticism and keeping others comfortable. The angry part held protest at being treated unfairly, while the approval-seeking part longed for warmth and acceptance from her mother. The fearful part appeared concerned that direct boundary-setting would be rude or would upset her mother.