The Keys to Making Parts Integration Work for You

If you are going to run this pattern for yourself, be aware that when you do it well, it will induce a degree of trance.  To prevent myself from simply lapsing into a dream, I usually sit upright and give myself the instructions out loud.  You may be better at staying focused than I am!

The key to the whole pattern is your ability to communicate with your own unconscious mind.  And practising this will increase the rapport and co-operation between your conscious and unconscious.

Identify the conflict and the parts involved.

1. It may be obvious from the language you use to describe the situation. For example, ‘part of me wants to go on holiday but part of me wants to just stay at home and enjoy my garden’ or ‘part of me wants to go for promotion but part of me is worried about the extra responsibility’.
2. Alternatively, it may seem that there is only one part involved, for example when there is an unwanted behaviour or habit. ‘I can’t seem to stop myself’, might be an indicator in that case.
3. The indicator of a part being involved is when behaviour is being driven by beliefs or values that are only present some of the time.

Have the part that represents the unwanted state or behaviour come out on the hand first.

1. In a two-part conflict, there is usually one part that is driving behaviour or experience that is unwanted, with the other part being in line with overall outcomes and values. Start by asking this first part to ‘come out and stand on one of your hands’.  Go with your instinct about which hand to raise, it doesn’t make any difference to the process.
2. If both parts seem to be equally wanted or unwanted in relation to your overall outcomes and values then start with the one that seems to have most energy associated with it.
3. The key to this stage is dissociation from the part. Treat it like a separate person.

Have the second part come out onto the other hand.

1. Ask for the ‘part that this first part is most in conflict with’ to come out and stand on your other hand.
2. This may or may not be the part you originally identified as the second part. The first part could be in conflict with several other parts (especially if it’s driving some extreme behaviour) so we’re looking for the one where the conflict is greatest because that will get the greatest shift and results.
   

Make sure that you have a V-A-K image of each part.

1. Ask yourself, ‘Does this part look like someone I know?’ If so, who?
2. Ask yourself, ‘How does this part feel in my hand?’
3. Ask yourself, ‘Does this part have anything to say to me?’ If so, what?
4. Build up a clear representation of each part separately.

Separate intention from behaviour.

1. Beginning with the first part, ask the part, ‘What is your purpose in ___________?’ For example, ‘What is your purpose in wanting to go for promotion?’

Re-frame each part so that they realise that they actually have the same intention by chunking up — ask, “What is the intention …” or “For what purpose …”

1. Chunk up on the answer by asking, ‘For what purpose?’ and keep on chunking up until you reach a value.
2. Do the same for the second part until you get to the same value.
3. Typically, one part will take longer to chunk up to a value than the other

What resources or attributes does each part have that the other part would like to have?

1. Have the parts turn and look at each other. Instruct them each to notice that the other part has skills, attributes or resources that could be useful in achieving their common purpose.
2. Your hands may begin to come together at this point.

Now, have the parts notice they were once part of a larger whole.

1. Address the parts together, saying, ‘Notice that you were both once part of a larger whole’. This acknowledges that the part was created by dividing off from the unconscious mind and begins the process of re-integration.

Bring the hands together.

1. You can do this deliberately or you can let it happen naturally. I think it is more powerful if you allow the unconscious to take over.  Instruct the parts, ‘Come together only as quickly as you can understand how to work together to achieve __(the common value)__’.
2. Watch as your hands come together. Don’t try to control the pace, just allow the process to take whatever time is necessary.

Take the integrated part inside.

1. Bring the part back in through your heart, throat or solar plexus, whatever feels right.

Test & future pace.