Yes, that's what we do. I think it really appeals to my T because he is a family systems therapist, so he sees the inner family work as very similar. For instance, some trouble I was happening with an adult male ego state was something we worked on in therapy, and T tried to help us live in harmony and each value the role the other played, just like he would with a real family. In fact, I remember that session that he referred to the work he did with me and the male ego state as couples therapy, just like he would with any couple who came into his office. And there have been times that T told me things to say to the male ego state to help us get along. (This male happens to be my protector, and T said very early on that he needs to feel useful and needed and that his work to protect me is appreciated. So I had to thank him, and it really did help calm him down to know I valued him.) You are right, reflection, it is totally trippy!

Yes, I have had ego states say stuff to T that I would never say to him. It is quite amazing the things I can say to T when it is not me, lol. For example, I have reported to T that "he doesn't even really like you. He is threatened by you. He got really pissed off when you did such and such." And my jaw is just dropping as I pass this on to T, because where is this coming from?!? It is also quite amazing the things the ego states can tell me themselves, and I learn things about myself I never knew and it makes me almost mad when I find out some of them know stuff I don't. Since really, I am the head honcho, I should know everything, and when I find out I don't, it can rattle me. I remember once this male was talking to T (via me) and kept referring to me in the third person, and that was ANNOYING as h*ll. Like excuse me, I'm sitting right here, I'm not invisible d*mn it! How dare you GUYS talk over my head? Sometimes T has even shushed me because he wanted to talk just with the male and not also get my interjected comments.

reflection, how did you do the voice dialog? Did your ego state talk directly to T or use you as the go between? With me, I am the go between. T will ask the ego state a question. The ego state answers to me, and then I pass on the answer to T ("he said that he blah blah blah"). My ego states never speak directly to anyone but me. The words that come out of my mouth are always "he/she said that...", never "I am..."

I hope you will write more about what you are doing with your inner family. I find it so interesting, but bewildering too, and would really like to hear how your inner family therapy goes.

That is cool! So is her function to worry about you and look out for you? The vacation idea is great! Who knows, it might help.