The self
The Self has many positive traits, according to Schwartz’s model, including the eight Cs and the five Ps. The presence of these traits can help identify how much of the Self is available at a given time and how much of the Self may still need to emerge.
The eight Cs are:
- Confidence
- Calmness
- Creativity
- Clarity
- Curiosity
- Courage
- Compassion
- Connectedness
The five Ps are:
- Presence
- Patience
- Perspective
- Persistence
- Playfulness
Therapists can help patients identify their parts and release the burdens that these parts carry. To do so, they can follow a six step process:
- Find: Identify the parts of your mind and body that need attention.
- Focus: Pay attention to the relevant part.
- Flesh: Flesh it out by describing it and your experience of it.
- Feel: Explore how you feel toward this part.
- BeFriend: Express curiosity about this part and accept its presence.
- Fear: Ask what this part fears and what it would fear if you changed its role.
Learning to recognize and explore these parts can help patients shift how their parts function and create positive change.