As psychologists, trauma therapists, and counsellors, you have likely encountered the rising popularity of Internal Family Systems (IFS) – and perhaps, heard whispers of another parts-based approach: Resource Therapy (RT).
While both models work with inner parts, their methodology, clinical structure, and language differ in key ways.
Let us unpack what sets Resource Therapy apart – and why more clinicians are choosing it to deepen their trauma-informed resilience-enhancing practice.
Two Parts-Based Models, One Clear Distinction
Both IFS and RT understand the human psyche as comprising inner parts. IFS, developed by Dr Richard Schwartz, describes protectors, exiles, and a core Self, with therapy focused on accessing and unblending these parts, so the Self can lead.
Resource Therapy, developed by Professor Gordon Emmerson, PhD, evolved from ego state therapy yet offers a distinct and clinically advanced model. RT works with Resource States – the personality parts activated in specific situations, triggered if you will – using direct and respectful interventions that resolve inner conflicts at the source.
Unlike IFS, which builds inner dialogue over time, RT engages directly with the part in control, using targeted Treatment Actions to bring emotional healing and resolution. This is client-directed according to the client’s goals and needs.
“All our parts have a purpose. Even when they seem problematic, they’re trying to help – but sometimes they’ve learned the wrong lesson.” Emmerson, G. (2012)
A Therapy Of Action, Not Just Awareness
What makes Resource Therapy powerful in clinical practice is its 15 Treatment Actions, which are mapped to its neuropsychological model and rooted in research on trauma and memory reconsolidation (Ecker et al., 2012). Buy the book here.
These allow clinicians to precisely identify, access, and treat the part holding pain, with interventions that often bring about rapid and lasting change.
Whether a client is navigating trauma, anxiety, dissociation, or confusion, RT offers a clear roadmap and compassionate approach.
It is equally useful for non-clinical goals such as performance anxiety, assertiveness, or relationship issues – empowering clients to access their strengths and select the best part of self for the job. When we have the best part in the Captain’s seat to suit the occasion, we are in flow, and it’s smooth sailing.
RT is a standalone therapy, however can fit seamlessly into your EMDR, DBR, ACT, clinical hypnotherapy and coaching styles.
“IFS is a method of understanding and harmonising the mind’s parts, with the Self as a compassionate leader.”
— Schwartz, R. (2021)
Buy from Amazon his book No Bad Parts here.
RT’s Unique Language and Structure
In IFS, we speak of protectors and exiles. In RT, we work with Resources – not as stuck pathologies, but as valued parts of the personality system. Our parts can change and adapt.
When Resources become Vaded (emotionally hurt or stuck in fear, shame, blame, confusion, or disappointment), therapy involves bringing healing directly to that state, with empathy, and compassion. All our parts are trying to help. Or Resources acting out in outdated modes of being – sexting, rage attacks, gambling or withdrawing, self-injurious behaviours, for instance. We work directly to negotiate change. Inviting a more empowered part to take the lead and crew the ship.
RT offers an attachment-based lens, where we find an internal adult caring figure to share love, compassion, and calm within.
As one client shared, “Oh, this part of me, ‘Loving’ is caring, kind, and is a loving part always there for me. It won’t leave me, it won’t cheat on me, it won’t die or abandon me. It is Me. So amazing. What a relief.” (used with permission).
At the Australian Resource Therapy Institute, Philipa has developed the ship/ boat metaphor: the client is the captain; the parts are the crew. This makes RT easily explainable to clients who want an understanding of how parts therapy works. When a confused or defensive part takes the wheel, therapy gently helps the client regain direction, with the best Resource stepping in to guide the ship forward.
Grounded In Science – Mapped To Real Diagnosis
Unlike many integrative therapies, Resource Therapy offers diagnostic clarity and clinical alignment. Its treatment framework maps well onto major mental health classifications, including DSM-5 and ICD-11 categories for trauma, dissociation, anxiety, and depression.
As Professor Gordon Emmerson writes in Therapist Gold:
“Resource Therapy not only provides a complete and thorough personality theory, but has its own diagnostic classifications… [which] cover all existing psychological disorders except for organically caused disorders. RT offers treatment for every concern a client presents within the psychological spectrum – whether fear-based disorders, OCD, eating disorders, self-harming behaviours, addictions, suicidal ideation, or any other presentation” (Emmerson, 2024, p. 35). Buy Gordon Emmerson Therapist Gold book here.
This makes Resource Therapy particularly valuable for psychologists, trauma therapists, professionally trained coaches, mental health accredited social workers, doctors, psychiatrists, and counsellors seeking a state-based, evidence-informed method that supports both short-term results and deeper personality-level healing.
You Are In Expert Hands
The Clinical Resource Therapy Training is co-led by Philipa Thornton, President of Resource Therapy International, and her amazing husband, Chris Paulin, a consultant psychologist with over 45 years of experience in clinical practice and trauma treatment.
Together, they bring warmth, depth, and expertise along with special guest appearances from Professor Gordon Emmerson himself, founder of the Resource Therapy model.
Explore Gordon’s essential book:
Healthy Parts, Happy Self: 3 Steps to Like Yourself
https://www.resourcetherapy.com.au/books
Which Model Is Right For Your Practice?
Both IFS and RT honour the complexity of the inner world. But if you are seeking a clinically structured, empowering, trauma-informed approach that treats the part in control with precision and care, Resource Therapy offers the path forward. A roadmap for results with your therapeutic artistry and healing heart.
Join The Clinical Resource Therapy Program
Are you ready to learn a structured, parts-based model grounded in compassion and clarity?
Join the Clinical Resource Therapy Internationally recognised Certification Program through the Australian Resource Therapy Institute, led by Philipa Thornton and Chris Paulin, Master trainers.
Explore flexible options, expert support, and the chance to learn and train directly from the founder, Gordon Emmerson, PhD.
👉 www.resourcetherapy.com.au/training
📚 References
- Emmerson, G. (2012). Healthy parts, happy self: 3 steps to like yourself. Old Golden Point Press.
- Emmerson, G., & Essing, C. (2024). Therapist Gold: Treating Fear-Based Trauma and Attachment Trauma. Old Golden Point Press. Blackwood Victoria, Australia.
- Schwartz, R. C. (2021). No bad parts: Healing trauma and restoring wholeness with the Internal Family Systems model. Sounds True.
- Ecker, B., Ticic, R., & Hulley, L. (2012). Unlocking the emotional brain: Eliminating symptoms at their roots using memory reconsolidation. Routledge.
Click on image to buy now.