Subpersonality
A subpersonality consists of a part of ourselves, a sub self. Each differs from all the others. We could think of them as a number of separate small “I’s.” Each of our subpersonalities has a unique separate identity which we become aware of.
What subpersonalities live within you?
Our critical inner self differs from our caretaker self which differs from the powerless childlike self. We, however, remain conscious when some of our sub selves take us over and run our lives for a brief period. Afterwards, we come back to a sense of our main personality identity.
There exist, however, some of our subpersonalities which remain unconscious to us and also dysfunctional i.e. unhealthy. All our subpersonalities rob us of power, life force, and happiness.
If we choose, we can learn how to identify, dissolve and heal, and also to integrate our subpersonalities into a more healthy main identity.
Let us now consider the multiple personality. A multiple personality has a presence of at least two distinct identities. An alter or multiple can take control of consciousness without the main identity or another multiple being aware of the takeover. Thus, the main personality usually experiences a state of amnesia. Even some of the multiples may be unaware of the others.
People with multiple personalities can have a poor self-identity; they have little sense of who they are.
In the classic case, the 3 Faces of Eve, Eve White functioned as a timid house wife while Eve Black enjoyed a fun loving life. Eve White had no awareness of Eve Black who, however, knew of Eve White.
Subpersonality versus Multiple Personality
| Person aware of some sub selves, unaware of others | Most multiples unaware of others |
| Some awareness of takeover | Never aware of takeover |
| Conscious when sub self present | Amnesia or blackout |
| Many subpersonalities up to 10 or more | At least 2 distinct multiples |
| Cause – childhood trauma | Cause – severe childhood trauma – physical, emotional, or sexual abuse |
| May be a way of coping with trauma | May be a way of coping with trauma |
| Different fragments of main personality | Unique brain waves, name, memories, abilities, & biology |
| Usually some core identity | Usually weak core identity |
Even though we consider ourselves as one person, we experience ourselves inside as a number of different people. Sometimes we act like two different people arguing, I want that dessert, No, I know it’s no good for me.
These conflicts sometimes make our lives unmanageable like for instance addictions.
So what is the difference between a subpersonality and a multiple personality? Consider it a matter of degree. Most people have some awareness of their personal identify. A subpersonality or a mood may take them over or two parts conflict, yet the person keeps their awareness of these parts.
On the other hand, with a multiple personality disorder the person loses awareness of their identity. Each multiple personality acts as a separate being. Healing and integration become a challenge.
How Do We Heal Subpersonalities?
https://www.emotionalhealthtips.com/overcoming-subpersonalities//, I related my experience of receiving healing for one of my subpersonalities.
https://www.emotionalhealthtips.com/meditation-sub-personalities// , I described a meditation for beginning discovering your subpersonalities.
https://www.emotionalhealthtips.com/steps-heal-subpersonalities// , I showed how an Energy Healer, familiar with subpersonalities can assist you in healing.
https://www.emotionalhealthtips.com/heal-subpersonalities/
https://www.emotionalhealthtips.com/discover-subpersonalities/
https://www.emotionalhealthtips.com/ego-personality/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael David Lawrience is the author of Emotional Health: The Secret from Drama, Trauma, and Pain. His book provides ways for improving emotional health, easing pain and stress, healing physical and emotional abuse, and spiritual awakening. See book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Health-Secret-Freedom-Trauma/dp/0615479170
Michael as a previous Residential and Self-Esteem Coach and Mentor has over 15 years’ experience teaching teen’s self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-reliance. See eBook Self Esteem- A Teen’s Guide for Girls This book is valuable for women also. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009L4JLMO
Michael offers Bowen Therapy in person in Sedona, Arizona for easing physical and emotional pain. https://www.emotionalhealthtips.com/bowen-therapy-sedona/
Michael also conducts personalized hiking tours in Sedona for emotional and spiritual breakthroughs
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