Step 1: Identify the Problem

• Find an internal conflict that fits the description “two souls, alas, dwell within my breast.”
• Find a state in which you feel bothered or distracted by yourself: “Whenever I want x, y happens.”
• Or identify a situation in which you feel incongruent, such as “Yes, but... Actually...” or “On one hand, yes; on the other hand, no.”

Step 2: Establish Contact with the Parts

• Build contact with each part, one at a time. Sense inwardly. Which part could be responsible for Behavior 1? Once you find it, ask it for its name. Greet it and say, “Hi, glad you’re here. You’re part of me.”
• Then connect with the other part the same way.
• Dissociate from the parts by, for example, imagining you place them in your hands: the “one side” part in your left hand, the “other side” part in your right hand. Or place them in different spots in the room (room anchors).

Step 3: Characterize the Parts and Discover Their Positive Intent

• Characterize the Parts: e.g., appearance, sound, feeling, symbol, function, task, age, etc. B asks A: “Please describe each part more specifically. What do these parts look like?”
• Get the Parts’ Consent to Communicate and Proceed: “Are you willing to communicate with me through agreed signals?” “Assuming you could fulfill your task better after we go through this process, would you then be willing to interact with me?” etc.
• Ask about the Function/Task and Underlying Positive Intention of Both Parts: “What is your positive intention for me? What important thing do you do for me?”

Step 4: Let the Parts Communicate with Each Other

The two parts exchange information about their intentions and needs. They can, for example, use a translator, visit each other, or call each other—whatever seems fitting.

Step 5: Find the Higher, Shared Intention

Start with one part and question its first stated positive intention: “What is that good for...?” Climb higher and higher in abstraction (e.g., “So that you stay healthy”). Then move on to the other part and uncover its higher intention, until you find a common intention. Such an intention always exists. It may simply be “So that you feel good.” You can keep bringing both parts back to this intention: “You also want [client’s name] to feel good, right? Are you aware that the other part wants the same thing?”

Step 6: Negotiate a New Behavior

Now the two parts can begin negotiating a new behavior and come to an agreement. Ask Part Y whether the shared intention is important enough for it to cooperate with Part X. The negotiation can happen in two ways:

• a) Consciously, Rationally: You discuss details of how future behavior should look, possible compromises, when one part leaves the other in peace, and what each part allows the other in return, etc. Sometimes it’s wise to set a trial period. Ask each part if it truly consents to do the above for a specified time. If either part becomes unhappy for any reason, it should signal that more negotiation is needed.
• b) Unconsciously, via Trance: Duplicate and exchange resources. Let each part give resources to the other—symbols, colors, skills, etc. Possibly bring in outside resources. Let them forgive each other / reconcile, etc.

Integration: Let both parts merge completely—for example, by symbolically bringing your right and left hands together, forming a new part from the old ones. Possible approach: Hypnotalk: “And as these two parts inwardly come to an agreement, you can feel your hands moving toward each other. Sometimes there’s a brief negotiation pause... and in the moment your hands touch, your parts know the negotiation is complete at an unconscious level.”

Step 7: Ecology Check

Are any other parts involved in this matter? Does any other part object to these two parts collaborating in the future? If so, renegotiate.

Step 8: Future Pace

“When will you next find yourself in the situation where... How will you behave there? What will happen?”