Authentic Me —Really? By Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD, President of the International Hypnosis Federation
Caterpillar asks Alice: “Who are you?”
Alice: “I’m not sure; I have been so many people since I woke up this morning,”
And indeed, Alice, like you, has been big and little, assertive and scared, and, and, and… In the end when you discover all the YOUs, you integrate like Alice and come safely home to your multidimensional self.
Imagine being at a sacred campfire surrounded by wise elders. You smell burning pine needles, hear birds afar and take turns sharing your adventures, your wins, your lessons. Each amazing tale enriches each. You listen fully to your own brave words of truth. Your inner guidance is strong and clear. You’ve arrived.
The more you appreciate each viewpoint, the more they want to work as a team for best results. THEN decide if you want to agree or disagree with yourself. Conflict can be a bitch. Especially when parts within you are duking it out. Inner conflict takes a break as you listen to your various inner possibilities.
Internal Family Systems
This hypnotic approach used to increase into-me-see with yourself and others. When you reframe or reinforce stories you tell yourself. you develop a sense of safety by creatively reintegrating protective inner voices with all the other parts of self.
Here is one way to do it:
1. Notice any limiting characters (inner voices, contrarians or inner protectors)
2. Discover and respectfully dialogue with each parts.
Ask, “What is your job?”
“Do you like this job?”
“If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you rather do?”
“Would you like to have a new job assignment or would you like to retire?”
“Are you willing to work with the other parts for creating happy and meaningful relationships?” If so, you are home free. If not, give them a gold watch and retire them to Tahiti.
Regressive Parts Therapy
“There’s a sense of feeling you get when you ––––––.”
“Where in your body is this sense or feeling?”
“Be curious about this sense or feeling.”
Then ask:
“What do you want me to know about you?”
“What concerns you if you don’t step in?”
How can we best integrate you for a happy and nourishing life?
Consensus Wins!
Focus your attention on what you care about and what you need. Self-empathy evokes understanding, and self-collaboration then shine your light on others and decide “I choose great relationships with myself and others.
Local Personality, Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD is a hypnotherapist, mindfulness and NLP trainer, artist and the author of 25 books. She certifies practitioners through the International Hypnosis Federation. You can call her at 310 541-4844.