How We Work
Resource Therapy
Resource Therapy is a structured, evidence-informed approach developed by Australian psychologist Gordon Emmerson. It works with the distinct personality states that make up the self — helping to resolve the inner conflicts and wounded parts that drive distress.
Parts-based · Australian-developed · Trauma-Informed · Creswick, Brisbane & Online
What Is Resource Therapy?
Working with the whole self
Resource Therapy is built on the understanding that our personality is made up of a number of normal, functional parts — each with their own feelings, responses, and roles. When something overwhelming happens, a part can become stuck or distressed, carrying the emotional weight of that experience long after it has passed.
Rather than focusing solely on memories or behaviours, Resource Therapy works directly with these personality states — communicating with them, understanding their role, and helping them update and heal. This approach is often experienced as deeply validating, because it makes sense of why we can feel pulled in different directions or why certain situations trigger intense reactions.
Developed by Gordon Emmerson in Australia, Resource Therapy draws on ego-state therapy traditions and has been refined into a precise, compassionate method that integrates well with EMDR and other trauma approaches used at Bloom.
Resource Therapy can help with
- ✓Complex trauma and PTSD
- ✓Inner conflict and feeling divided within yourself
- ✓Anxiety and fear responses
- ✓Depression and emotional numbness
- ✓Low self-worth and shame
- ✓Relationship patterns and attachment difficulties
- ✓Grief and loss
- ✓Dissociation and emotional dysregulation
The Process
What to expect in Resource Therapy
Getting to know your parts
Your therapist will help you gently become aware of the different parts of yourself that show up in your life — the part that worries, the part that shuts down, the part that wants to feel safe. There is no judgment; every part has a reason for being there.
Working with the wounded part
Once a distressed or stuck part is identified, your therapist engages directly with it using Resource Therapy techniques. This is gentle and paced — you are always in control, and your therapist will ensure you feel grounded throughout.
Integration and healing
As each part heals and updates, the inner conflict reduces. Clients often notice a sense of greater inner calm, clearer decision-making, and stronger access to their own resources — the parts of themselves that are capable, grounded, and connected.
Therapists trained in Resource
Available locations
FAQ
Common questions about Resource Therapy
Is Resource Therapy the same as IFS (Internal Family Systems)?
They share some similarities — both work with personality parts — but Resource Therapy has its own distinct protocol, language, and techniques. It was developed independently in Australia by Gordon Emmerson and is particularly valued for its precise, structured approach.
Do I have to have a diagnosis to benefit from Resource Therapy?
Not at all. Resource Therapy is suitable for anyone experiencing inner conflict, emotional distress, or trauma — regardless of diagnosis. Your therapist will assess whether it's a good fit for your goals.
Will I feel 'out of control' or strange during sessions?
Most people find Resource Therapy very grounding. You are always in the room, aware of what's happening, and your therapist is with you every step of the way. The process is collaborative and paced to how you're feeling.
Ready to Begin?
Ready to begin working with all of yourself?
Book an appointment or reach out with any questions. We'll help you find the right therapist and the right approach.