Guiding your "internal crew": strategies for self-management

In a groundbreaking development in the world of psychology, Hamburg psychotherapist Dagmar Kumbier and communication psychologist Friedemann Schulz von Thun have proposed an innovative concept: the "inner team." This model, discussed in the current issue of "Apotheken Umschau" (Issue A 9/2025), suggests that each individual is composed of various inner parts or voices.

According to Kumbier, these inner parts don't always get along harmoniously. Some are at odds with each other, some are condemned by the individual, and others are so quiet that they aren't perceived or integrated reasonably. The challenge, as explained by Schulz von Thun, is to identify the appropriate inner parts for a given problem, give them a voice, and bring them together in an "inner council" to work together constructively.

To begin, listening to the first inner voice about a topic or situation and imagining it as a person or figure can help in this process. This "inner team" is considered a group of members that speak up in certain situations or about specific topics. To effectively manage this inner team, a team leader is needed—oneself.

A good team leader is caring, supportive, and sometimes limiting, similar to a perfect parent. The first step in using the inner team effectively is viewing all inner parts as a leader in a loving and understanding way. Giving each inner part a name and approaching them with respect and understanding is also crucial.

The different inner parts not only represent various needs and characteristics, but they also have specific tasks. These tasks may initially appear unsympathetic, or they may have been silenced. Attending to a hurt inner part with compassion can help in resolving conflicts and promoting constructive action.

Writing down the inner parts and their desires can aid in understanding them. The "inner child," a metaphor for feeling and behavioral patterns developed in childhood that continue into adulthood, is one such inner part.

Ideally, the "inner team" works constructively together, but conflicts can arise. Conflicts within the inner team can be challenging to manage due to differences, self-condemnation, and quiet voices that aren't perceived or integrated. However, by viewing all inner parts as valuable contributors, conflicts can be resolved, and the inner council can work together effectively.

Dagmar Kumbier, a psychotherapist from Hamburg, encourages everyone to explore their inner team and harness its potential for personal growth. By understanding and working with our inner parts, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively and live a more fulfilling life.