๐ŸŽฏ Resource Therapy vs Other Parts Therapies: The Model Built for Action

A strength based approach with Conditions of Resource States at Sea

โ€œInsight without action is like diagnosis without treatment.โ€
โ€“ A sentiment many seasoned therapists know all too well.

As trauma therapy continues to evolve, clinicians are embracing parts-based approaches that honour the complexity of the human psyche. But not all parts models are created equal.

Youโ€™ve probably heard of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Ego State Therapy, or even the parts-based elements that emerge within EMDR sessions. But if youโ€™ve ever felt something missing โ€“ structure, clarity, or real-time transformation โ€“ it may be time to explore what makes Resource Therapy (RT) so uniquely effective.

Letโ€™s compare four popular modalities using what matters in clinical practice:

ApproachAccess to PartsProtocolsPathology DiagnosisReal-Time Action
IFSโš ๏ธ SometimesโŒ Noneโš ๏ธ Conceptual onlyโœ… Yes
Ego Stateโœ… Directโš ๏ธ VariableโŒ Noneโš ๏ธ Sometimes
EMDRโš ๏ธ Indirectโœ… YesโŒ Noneโœ… Yes
RTโœ… Directโœ… Yesโœ… Formal systemโœ… Always

1. Access to Parts โ€“ Whoโ€™s in the Captainโ€™s Chair?

All four models work with parts โ€“ or internal voices and states โ€“ acknowledging that our psyche is not a single voice, but a crew.

Where IFS and Ego State offer reflective access, and EMDR may surface parts indirectly through trauma targets, Resource Therapy takes you straight to the part that needs help โ€“ fast.

Using Vivify Specific (Action 2), RT locates the exact Resource State holding distress, unmet needs, or outdated beliefs, and brings it forward to speak for itself.

โ€œRT does not just observe the part. It gives it a voice, a seat at the table, and a path to healing.โ€
โ€“ Gordon Emmerson, PhD

2. Protocols โ€“ Structure or Stumble?

Therapists know that when trauma, resistance, or emotional overwhelm enters the room, structure matters.

  • IFS is exploratory and open-ended.
  • Ego State Therapy can vary significantly among practitioners.
  • EMDR brings excellent structure, but not state-specific treatment.
  • RT offers a clear, flexible system with 15 targeted Treatment Actions.

Whether you need to express, clear introjects, relieve emotional pain, or build internal strength, RT gives you the tools to act with purpose.

3. Pathology Diagnosis โ€“ Can We Map What Needs Treating?

Hereโ€™s where Resource Therapy steps into its own.

Many models avoid pathologising parts โ€“ a welcome shift. But what if we could offer non-judgmental diagnosis that guides treatment?

  • IFS affirms that all parts are good, but lacks a diagnostic map.
  • Ego State Therapy and EMDR avoid classification usually.
  • RT introduces a structured, compassionate diagnostic system:
    • Vaded States โ€“ carrying unmet emotional needs
    • Retro States โ€“ stuck in old roles or protections
    • Conflicted States โ€“ caught between opposing drives
    • Dissonant States โ€“ wrong part in the captains seat
    • Normal Condition of States โ€“ right part out with appropriate skills to suit the occasion

This means you can identify what is stuck and know exactly how to treat it.

Think of RT as the Google Maps of parts therapy โ€“ locating the issue and showing you the route out.

4. Real-Time Action โ€“ Can We Change the State in the Session?

Many therapists feel stuck in insight. The client knows whatโ€™s wrongโ€ฆ but nothing changes.

  • IFS fosters beautiful awareness, but often delays transformation.
  • Ego State Therapy may stop at catharsis.
  • EMDR creates desensitisation, but not always internal change.
  • RT enables the client to change from within, in the moment.

When a client speaks from their Vaded State and gets relief, or when a Retro State steps aside and a stronger self emerges โ€“ that is RT in action.

โ€œRT is like a laser pointer for the psyche โ€“ precise, effective, and immediately transformational.โ€
โ€“ Clinical RT Graduate

A Quick Story

Anna had done IFS and EMDR. She could name her parts. She had insight. But every time she was triggered by her partner, she collapsed into silence and shame.

Her therapist used RT. Within minutes, they accessed the exact state holding the freeze. Anna spoke from the part, not about it. They cleared the internalised introject, processed the hurt, and anchored her back to strength.

โ€œIโ€™ve spent years understanding my trauma. But this is the first time I actually felt it shift.โ€

That is the power of action. That is Resource Therapy.

Why Therapists Are Switching to RT

RT is not a blend of parts models. It is a clinical evolution.

  • โœ… A full internal diagnostic system
  • โœ… Immediate access to the presenting state
  • โœ… Action-based treatment, not talk-based delay
  • โœ… Designed for both brief and complex trauma work
  • โœ… Integrates seamlessly with EMDR, Imago, DBR, and more

โ€œRT is the structured answer to the parts therapy movement.โ€

You Belong With Us

If you are a therapist who wants more than insightโ€ฆ
If you want a parts therapy that does more than labelโ€ฆ
If you want change, not someday, but now, Resource Therapy is waiting for you.

Join a movement of clinicians who believe in healing with heart and action.

๐ŸŒŸ Clinical RT Training 2025 โ€“ Enrol Now

  • Online Program starts 31 August / 1 September 2025
  • Bali Intensive Program returns in 2026
  • Led by Philipa Thornton & Chris Paulin โ€“ Psychologists & Master Trainers
  • Fully accredited. Experiential. Clinically practical.

โ€œEvery therapist should be trained in this. RT changed how I work โ€“ and how I heal.โ€
โ€“ Recent Graduate

๐Ÿ”— Learn more and enrol at resource therapy training dates and fees

๐ŸŽฅ Mike Mandel Interviews Gordon Emmerson: Discover the Power of Resource Therapy

Philipa and Gordon at the Banquet Ceremony of the RTI world conference in Ubud Bali

If youโ€™re curious about what makes Resource Therapy (RT) one of the most powerful and precise parts models in modern psychotherapy, this is your moment.

In a captivating new YouTube interview, renowned hypnotist and international trainer Mike Mandel sits down with none other than Professor Gordon Emmerson, PhD โ€“ founder of Resource Therapy โ€“ to explore the model thatโ€™s transforming trauma work around the world.

โ€œThis is a therapy model that truly gets to the root of the issue.โ€ โ€“ Mike Mandel

With decades of experience between them, Mike and Gordon dive into:

  • Why parts work is essential for real healing
  • How RT differs from IFS, Ego State Therapy, and other modalities
  • What makes Resource Therapy so targeted, fast, and empowering

This is a must-watch for any therapist who wants to work with precision and compassion โ€“ and move beyond surface-level symptom relief.


๐Ÿง  What Is Resource Therapy?

Resource Therapy is an advanced, trauma-informed parts model that helps clients:

  • Identify and access the exact part holding pain or protection
  • Apply one of 15 targeted treatment actions for resolution
  • Rewire the brain using memory reconsolidation and neuroplasticity
  • Find relief from stuck states like fear, shame, rejection, confusion, and inner conflict

Created by Gordon Emmerson PhD, RT builds on the best of ego state therapy while offering a clear structure, accessible language, and outstanding clinical results.


๐ŸŽ“ Train in Resource Therapy โ€“ With Gordon as Your Guest!

We are proud to offer the Official Clinical Resource Therapy Program through the Australia Resource Therapy Institute (ARTI) โ€“ led by psychologist trainers Philipa Thornton (President, Resource Therapy International) and Chris Paulin (Consultant Psychologist). This is certification training offering a certified Resource Therapy International Qualification with 60 hours of active professional development.

๐ŸŒŸ And YES โ€“ Professor Gordon Emmerson himself guest appears in our Clinical training, sharing live insights and demonstrating this transformational method in action.

Youโ€™ll learn:

  • How to confidently diagnose Resource States
  • When and how to use each of the 15 Treatment Actions
  • How to work effectively with complex trauma, relationship issues, addiction, anxiety, and more

๐Ÿ“ŒTrain With the Founder. Heal at the Root. Become a Resource Therapist.Your clients โ€“ and your inner crew โ€“ will thank you.๐Ÿ—“ Next Intake: 31 August 2025

๐ŸŒ Online and in-person options available
โœ… Suitable for trauma therapists, psychologists, EMDR/DBR/ACT clinicians, and all parts-based practitioners

๐Ÿ‘‰ Register now and secure your place


๐ŸŽฌ Watch the Interview Now

Do not miss this powerful conversation between two giants of therapeutic change.


โ–ถ๏ธ Watch on YouTube: Mike Mandel Interviews Gordon Emmerson, Founder of Resource Therapy

๐ŸŽ“ Join Us โ€“ Clinical Resource Therapy Program

๐ŸŒ Online and in-person training options available
๐Ÿ“… Next intake: 31 August 2025
๐Ÿ’ก Suitable for psychologists, counsellors, EMDR, DBR, ACT, and trauma-trained professionals

๐Ÿ‘‰ Click here to learn more and register


โœจ Final Thoughts

Mike Mandelโ€™s interview shines a spotlight on a therapy that changes lives. If you are ready to supercharge your therapeutic toolbox and offer your clients real relief, not just symptom management, now is the time.

๐Ÿ›ณ Discover the power of parts therapy.
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Be part of a growing international community.
๐ŸŽค And train with the founder himself.

Watch the interview. Join the training. Become the change.


Supervision for Parts Workers: Stay Connected, Skilled & Supported

PartsTherapy2025datesGroupclinicalsupervison

๐Ÿ—“ Save the Dates: 2025 Supervision Sessions

Join our warm, peer-based Resource Therapy groups and keep your parts work sharp and supported.

Real talk, real support โ€” stay connected, learn your parts

Working with parts can be powerfulโ€ฆ and sometimes, a little confusing.
Supervision is where it all starts to make sense โ€” in a safe, supportive space with other like-minded therapists who speak the same parts language.

This is where you get to ask:

โ€œWas that a Vaded in Fear or Conflicted State?โ€
โ€œDid I connect with the Right Part?โ€
โ€œWhy did that protector shut everything down?โ€

Stay Resourced, Stay Inspired: Your Safe Space for Growth

If youโ€™ve completed your Resource Therapy training โ€” or are currently in the thick of it โ€” you already know that supervision is where learning comes alive. Itโ€™s the space to pause, reflect, and strengthen your clinical confidence, with the support of peers who truly get it.

Our Parts Therapy Supervision Groups are warm, peer-based spaces where your questions, challenges, and client stories are welcomed. Whether youโ€™re just starting out or have been practicing for years, this is your invitation to stay connected, supported, and inspired.

Whether you’re feeling unsure or just want to sharpen your skills, these groups are for you.


๐ŸŒฑ What to expect

โœ”๏ธ A kind, peer-based group โ€” all welcome
โœ”๏ธ Real-time clinical support for your Resource Therapy cases
โœ”๏ธ A relaxed space to ask questions or simply listen
โœ”๏ธ Deepened understanding of parts, Vaded states & protector patterns
โœ”๏ธ Encouragement to practice the RT Actions with confidence

Supervision isnโ€™t about being perfect โ€” itโ€™s about staying connected, reflective, and supported in your journey.


๐Ÿง  Learning in every session

  • Spot when the presenting part isnโ€™t the one needing help
  • Understand how protector parts show up and soften
  • Apply the right RT Action at the right time
  • Clarify your own therapist parts and responses
  • Build confidence in mapping the clientโ€™s inner system

๐Ÿ—“ Supervision Dates for 2025

All sessions are held via Zoom
Mondays | 3.30โ€“5.00 PM (AEST)
Fridays | 9.00โ€“10.30 AM (AEST)

๐Ÿ—“ May 12 โ€“ Friday
๐Ÿ—“ May 16 โ€“ Monday
๐Ÿ—“ July 18 โ€“ Friday
๐Ÿ—“ July 21 โ€“ Monday
๐Ÿ—“ August 22 โ€“ Friday
๐Ÿ—“ August 25 โ€“ Monday
๐Ÿ—“ September 19 โ€“ Friday
๐Ÿ—“ September 22 โ€“ Monday
๐Ÿ—“ October 17 โ€“ Friday
๐Ÿ—“ October 20 โ€“ Monday
๐Ÿ—“ November 14 โ€“ Friday
๐Ÿ—“ November 24 โ€“ Monday
๐Ÿ—“ December 5 โ€“ (TBC)
๐Ÿ—“ December 8 โ€“ (TBC)

Weโ€™d love to see you there!

Disclaimer – despite my best intentions, sometimes life happens and we have to change dates occasionally.

At the Australian Resource Therapy Institute, our Parts Therapy Supervision Groups are designed to nourish your skills and spirit. These peer-based online sessions are welcoming, non-judgmental, and filled with wisdom. Itโ€™s supervision the way it should be: warm, friendly, encouraging, practical, and never dull.

We invite you to join us in 2025 for ongoing connection and support. Thereโ€™s no pressure to attend every session โ€” just come when you can. Bring a case, a question, or simply come to listen and recharge.

๐Ÿ“จ How to join

Just email philipathornton@gmail.com and let us know your preferred group.
No need to confirm each time โ€” just show up when it suits.


๐Ÿ’ฌ What other parts therapists say

โ€œI always walk away learning something new about parts โ€” and myself.โ€
โ€œThese sessions help me feel less alone with the tricky stuff.โ€
โ€œSupervision is where I started to really get how to apply RT in session.โ€


Come with a case, a question, or your curious therapist part.
Youโ€™re always welcome.


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