Understanding emotional compartmentalization
Emotional Parts Simplified
Exploring normal emotional development and dissociative compartmentalization of emotions through metaphor.
Part I: Tool Theory
Tool theory outlines processing and externalizing one’s own emotions through the usage of metaphorical “tools” that correspond to each emotion. The tools each person associates with an emotion can vary. (EX: an “anger-hammer,” even though someone else might choose to visualize their anger tool as a saw). Visualize the tool that feels right for you, even if that means you do not choose to visually represent a tool.
Part II: Normal Development
In most cases, children develop a healthy relationship with their emotions being taught how to name them, feel them, and let them go when necessary.Children experience the full range of emotions that adults do, but their selection of tools is much more limited. As they age, they gain access to more tools. During this time, a guardian figure in their life should be teaching them how to use these tools and develop the healthy relationship with their emotions as was previously mentioned.
Part III: Compartmentalization
In the case of cPTSD and other parts-based disorders, these tools can become locked up in a tool shed. While the apparently normal part (ANP) has access to some tools, only an emotional part (EP) is able to access the tool shed and process more complex emotions. This does not mean an EP’s tool shed has every tool, or that an ANP lacks every tool.Because of this, the ANP may have difficulties identifying and processing emotions much like we would apply to children. This being the case, they are in the same position as children of still having a full emotional capacity, but are unable to assign a tool to this emotion. This does not mean ANPs, or children for that matter, are stupid or unable to feel. It means someone like you needs to lend them your tool-kit.
Part IV: Sharing Tools
At this point you may conclude that you yourself have compartmentalized emotions, and that you do not have access to your own tool shed. This does not mean that you are unable to share your tools with others.Not everyone lacks access to the same kinds of tools, and you may have tools that someone else does not, and they may have tools that you do not. Further, the ability to improvise tools is much easier when two people have a shared pool to draw from, even when it isn’t a full set.Finally, remember, you never have to share your tools. Sometimes you only have enough tools to work on your own project, and that’s okay. It is always okay to prioritize your emotional needs and keep your tools to yourself.