Technique 1.229      Working with Parts (Internal Family Systems - IFS)

Introduction

Help leaders understand resistance as protection and apply the 6 Fs and 8 Cs.

6 Fs

i)                    Find (notice the activated part)

ii)                  Focus (pay attention to it)

iii)                Flesh out (describe what it is like)

iv)                Feel toward (notice your attitude toward it)

v)                  Befriend (recognise positive intention)

vi)                Fear (ask what it is afraid will happen)

8 Cs of Self

i)                    Curiosity

ii)                  Calm

iii)                Confidence

iv)                Compassion

v)                  Creativity

vi)                Clarity

vii)              Courage

viii)            Connectedness

Some questions as discussion starters

• Think of a current or recent change where you noticed pushback. Describe the behaviour.

• What do you think that part of the person was trying to protect?

• What fear might sit underneath that behaviour?

• Which of the 8 Cs could you embody more fully in conversations about this change?

• How might you reassure protective parts while advancing the change?

(main source: Jeremy Sutton, 2022)