Why You Feel Stuck—And How to Get Unstuck with Parts Work Therapy

Have you ever felt like you’re standing in your own way—like part of you wants to move forward, but another part holds you back? Maybe you desperately want to set boundaries, but when the moment comes, you freeze. Or you long for deeper relationships, but a part of you withdraws the second someone gets too close.

These inner conflicts aren’t random. They are parts of you working against each other, often shaped by past experiences, trauma, or emotional wounds. At Creating Space Therapy, we specialize in Parts Work therapy, a trauma-informed approach that helps you understand and heal the competing forces within you. Instead of staying stuck in frustration and self-sabotage, you can begin to work with yourself—not against yourself.

Feeling stuck is not a sign of failure or weakness. It’s a sign that different parts of you are trying to meet conflicting needs, and until those needs are understood, true change feels impossible. But the good news is—you don’t have to stay stuck.

Why Do We Get Stuck? Understanding Inner Conflict

Parts Work therapy (including Internal Family Systems, or IFS) is based on the idea that we all have different "parts" inside us. These parts have distinct roles and often hold opposing needs or fears.

For example:

• A part of you craves connection while another part pushes people away out of fear of rejection.

• A part of you wants to rest while another part demands productivity to feel worthy.

• A part of you wants to heal from trauma while another part avoids thinking about it to protect you.

These internal battles create stuckness, leaving you exhausted, frustrated, and confused about why you can’t break free from old patterns. This is especially true if you’ve experienced trauma, grief, or deeply ingrained self-protection mechanisms.

At Creating Space Therapy, we help clients untangle these inner conflicts, allowing for greater clarity, healing, and relief.

Signs That Different Parts of You Are in Conflict

Not sure if this applies to you? Here are common signs that inner conflict is keeping you stuck:

1. You Feel Stuck in Indecision

   • You go back and forth on a decision, unable to commit to a choice.

   • One part of you craves change, while another part fears uncertainty.

   • Even after making a decision, doubt creeps in, making you second-guess yourself.

   This kind of inner tug-of-war happens when two parts of you have different needs—one prioritizing growth, another prioritizing safety.

2. You Keep Repeating Patterns You Want to Change

   • You promise yourself you’ll stop a habit (procrastination, people-pleasing, overworking), but it keeps happening.

   • Even when you recognize a pattern is harmful, something inside keeps pulling you back into it.

   • You feel frustrated, wondering, Why do I keep doing this when I know better?

   Often, a protector part is keeping you stuck in old behaviors, believing it’s keeping you safe. Protector parts develop as a response to past pain, stepping in to prevent further harm—sometimes by using behaviors like avoidance, control, or self-sabotage as a way to keep you from feeling vulnerable again. Until that part feels heard and understood, change may feel impossible.

3. You Feel Emotionally Overwhelmed by Opposing Feelings

   • You want to speak up but feel frozen when the moment arrives.

   • You crave connection but find yourself withdrawing from relationships.

   • A part of you wants to process old wounds, but another part avoids even thinking about them.

   This emotional push-and-pull often comes from parts that have experienced past pain and are trying to protect you from repeating it.

4. You Experience Harsh Self-Criticism and Shame

   • You constantly battle an inner voice that tells you you’re not doing enough or that you’re failing.

   • Part of you wants to be kinder to yourself, but the critical voice always seems louder.

   • Even when people reassure you, it’s hard to believe them.

   This happens when a self-critical part tries to prevent failure, rejection, or pain—often using harsh tactics learned from early experiences.

5. You Feel Disconnected from Yourself or Your Emotions

   • Sometimes, it feels like part of you is missing or shut down.

   • You struggle to access emotions, feeling numb or detached instead.

   • When big feelings do surface, they feel too intense, like they’re coming from someone else.

This often means a protective part has taken over, trying to shield you from emotions that once felt overwhelming.

Understanding your inner dialogue—because every part of you has a story to tell.

You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck—We Can Help with Parts Work Therapy

If any of these signs resonate with you, you’re not alone. Many people feel frustrated by their patterns, not realizing that these internal struggles make perfect sense. Your parts are trying to protect you in the only ways they know how.

At Creating Space Therapy, we specialize in Parts Work therapy, integrating IFS, EMDR, and somatic therapy to help you work through these inner conflicts. Our goal is to help you move from feeling stuck and conflicted to feeling more whole, clear, and in control of your life.

Let's Connect

• Thelma Razo, LCSW– Ego State-trained trauma and grief specialist specializing in integrating parts work and somatic therapy to help clients with reclaim a sense of physical and emotional safety and connection.

• Kelly Huggins, LCSW – IFS-trained, trauma and grief specialist integrating IFS and EMDR to help clients heal from past traumas so they can live their best lives.

  
  

Click here to schedule a consultation call or call us at 630.601.3460 to get started on your healing journey today. We offer in-person therapy in Batavia and Naperville, as well as online therapy across Illinois.

Let’s take the next step together. Every part of you is welcome here.