Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a treatment modality that is a complex but useful way to understand the parts of self, and for accessing the hidden energy of the Self. It is important to differentiate between parts and Self, and these terms are defined further in IFS. The Self is often defined as a source of energy, while parts can be depleting. After clarifying the difference between Self and parts, here are a sample of questions that can be explored:
- Is there a part of you that you would like to change?
- Identify this part’s positive intention for the future?
- What does it fear?
- What do you feel about it?
- Is the part willing to allow Self to make a change?
- For the spiritual, is the part also willing to allow God to make a change?
- The Self can also witness the past feelings, thoughts, and sensations of a traumatic incident that an exiled and protected part has experienced.
- The Self meets the needs of the exiled part.
- The Self and part leave the scene when ready to find safety in the present.
- How does the protected part feel now?
- Do the protective parts notice?
