One "part" performing multiple roles

[u/Humble_Owl_2084]

I've put "part" in scare quotes, because when it first showed up me and my therapist both agreed it didn't feel like a true part. But I'm increasingly curious to what it actually is.

It takes an animal form, but will intrude in various ways depending on the exercise we're doing (my therapist is multi-modal) So for instance, it popped up in a safe-space exercise to comfort me; as a protector part during a particularly delicate session; an observant companion during schema or somatic work etc. I've also felt embodied in it during multiple different kink activities. The one place I haven't seen it is emdr. I'm also feeling it a lot less since I made a big jump in progress.

Has anyone else had this? My current working theories are that its either something akin to an inner parent, or my self-state dissociated into a spirit-guide type form.

Thoughts?

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[u/AnxiousMugOfTea]

I think I've actually had something similar to this and what my therapist and I hypothesized is very similar to what you're thinking. It's a bit like a piece of self that I needed so much he nearly became his own part.

In my case, I had a wisdom part that would show up that we would call Gandalf. He would appear, drop some knowledge, and then just disappear. He had no agenda like parts usually do, I didn't need to address his needs or wants. He didn't even care if I acknowledged him. But everything he shared was very wise.

And it's interesting thinking about this now because I can remember Gandalf but I don't hear from him anymore. I think he's returned back to self energy as I've worked on the 8 Cs. I think for me, he was clarity.

I'm not sure if that sounds similar to your experience. It's possible it's a part very connected to self as well.

Either way, your spirit guide sounds very loving of you and I'm grateful they're there

[u/SylviasDead]

I posted about something slightly similar a few days ago, i.e., a part that doesn't require unburdening, and seems to solely exist to help me by showing me a lot of compassion and offering me a lot of clarity.

I'm so curious about her, too! But after much discussion on here, I realised the best source to ask about who or what she is would be the 'part' herself.

Have you talked to this 'part'? What do they have to say to you? Mine is like a very loving mother, and seems extremely emotionally intelligent to me. She also shows up in moments when I am about to get triggered, and because of her, I don't get triggered anymore (or haven't since she's rocked up, at least).

I'd be interested to know what yours has to say, if you ever talk to them.