As we move through the 6 F’s with a Protector Part, we explore the Protector’s fears about us working with the Exiled Part it protects. In addition to addressing its fears and negotiating, we can offer hope by being a Hope Merchant.
The IFS therapist is the Hope Merchant to Parts and holds the belief and trust in the client’s system to move toward healing.
To be the Hope Merchant, we offer up reassuring with any of the following questions and statements:
“What if we could go to that Part and help it?”
“What if we could help this Part of you that is protecting you so that it wouldn’t have to work so hard? Would you be interested?”
“You can use your energy in a new way.”
“You will not have to work so hard.”
“We can do this safely.”
We can offer reassurance that the Part is not alone and it will not have to work as hard once the burdens are released.
If you are curious to learn more about EMDR, IFS-informed EMDR, or are interested in beginning your EMDR/IFS-informed EMDR therapy journey, please reach out to me via the Contact Me page on my website. You can also learn more about EMDR as well as additional EMDR therapists in your area by visiting the EMDR International Association’s website here. You can learn more about IFS by visiting the IFS Institute’s website here.
Reminder: these blog posts are meant to be purely educational and/or entertainment tools and do NOT replace psychotherapy and/or other medically necessary treatments.