Checking Self-Energy — 8 C's — Internal Family Systems Therapy

A diagnostic technique: how much is the client currently in a state of Self rather than being led by a part? The Self is characterized by eight qualities (8 C's): Curiosity, Calm, Clarity, Compassion, Confidence, Courage, Creativity, Connectedness. If the answer contains none of the 8 C's — another part is speaking in place of the Self.

Step-by-step guide

Ask the client the Feel Toward question: "How do you feel toward this part right now as you look at it?"
Listen to the answer and assess: is there at least one of the 8 C's?
If the answer contains one of the 8 C's (curiosity, compassion, calm) — the Self is present, continue
If the answer contains none: "I am angry at it", "I want to get rid of it" — another part is speaking in place of the Self
Ask: "I wonder — is this also a part? How do you feel toward it?" Start unblending
Continue until at least one sign of the Self appears

When to use

At step 4 of the 6F protocol (Feel Toward) — always
When you suspect a client's part is impersonating the Self
When the client says "the right words", but something feels insincere
At the end of the session: to check whether the Self has completed the work

Key phrases

When you look at this anxious part — what do you feel toward it right now? What do you notice inside?

Follow-up questions

Is it curiosity? Compassion? Or something else?

I wonder — is what you just described also a part?

How do you feel toward it right now?

Alternative phrasings

Can you look at this part with curiosity, rather than judgment?

Warnings

⚠️ The 8 C's are not "right answers" the client is supposed to give; do not create pressure
⚠️ The client may say "compassion" while in a pleaser part — check through the bodily response
⚠️ Do not criticize the client's answer: instead of "no, that is not the Self" — explore with curiosity

Source: Schwartz R.C. 1995, 2021