In IFS, the Self is the core essence of a person that is naturally calm, compassionate, curious, and capable of leadership. The Self is not a “Part” but rather the internal source of wisdom and healing. The Self is present in everyone starting at birth and is always present even when it feels inaccessible or blocked by distress. The Self is a felt sense or embodied state of being.
The Self cannot be damaged from trauma. In fact, it is the source of healing to the system. This healing occurs when the Self is able to lead and relate to the other Parts in the system with compassion. Through this Self-Energy, wounded Parts are able to set down and release their burdens and Protectors can relax in their roles. In other words, the relationship with Self creates the healing or reparative experiences Parts need to release extreme roles.
We know we are in Self when we feel the following qualities: calm, curious, creative, courageous, confident, compassionate, clarity, connected. More on the 8 C’s of Self can be read here.
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.