[[ChatGPT]] [[Internal Family Systems (IFS)]] ## 1. Identify the Part Help the client notice what’s showing up. “What part comes up when you think about that situation?” ## 2. Find It in the Body Anchor it somatically so the client stays focused. “Where do you feel this part in your body?” ## 3. Check the Client’s Stance (Self vs Part) “How do you feel toward this part?” If the answer isn’t curious, open, or neutral, you help unblend. ## 4. Get Permission From the Protector This is where protectors usually show up: anxiety, anger, perfectionism, shutdown, etc. You acknowledge their role and ask if they’ll allow the work. “Can we talk with you directly for a moment?” “Would you be willing to give us some space so we can understand what you’re protecting?” ## 5. Ask the Protector to Step Aside This is the explicit new step. You’re not banishing it. You’re asking it to relax its grip. “Could you step back a little while we talk to the one you’re protecting? We’ll come back to you.” If it won’t step aside, you stay with the protector longer. That’s normal. ## 6. Approach the Exile Once the protector gives space, invite the client to connect with the younger, more vulnerable part underneath. “Let’s see if we can find the part it’s protecting.” ## 7. Get to Know the Exile Stay in Self energy and let the exile speak. “What does this part want you to know?” “What is it afraid of?” ## 8. Witnessing The exile shows memories or feelings it’s been holding alone. “Let it show you what it wants you to see.” ## 9. Unburdening The exile releases the painful beliefs or emotions it picked up. You let it choose how it wants to let go. ## 10. Invite the Part Into a New Role Once unburdened, the part shifts into a healthier function. ## 11. Recheck the System Make sure the protectors feel OK with the change. “How are the other parts responding to this?”