The Format

This format is especially useful for behaviors or symptoms whose purpose is not consciously understood, for example psychosomatic symptoms: “I want to stop doing X, but I just can’t.” The symptom is assigned to a “symptom-producing part.” The intervention centers on distinguishing between intent and behavior.

Standard Steps

Step 1: Identify the Pattern (X) to Be Changed

Name the behavior or symptom where “I want to stop doing X, but I can’t.”

Step 2: Establish Communication with the Responsible Part

Turn inward and make contact with the part responsible for X. Identify that part—such as shape, color, or location—and greet it. Thank it for trying to do something positive for you, and observe any response it gives. Ask if it’s willing to communicate.

Step 3: Separate Behavior from Positive Intention

Separate the behavior from the underlying intention. Ask the part in charge of the problematic behavior to tell you what it has been trying to do for you. Another way: “What is your positive intention?”
Do you find this intention acceptable? Would you want a part with that function?
Ask the part in charge of X: “If there were ways to fulfill your positive intention as well or better, without using X, would you be open to trying them?” Have it give a “Yes” signal.

Step 4: Develop New Behaviors with the Creative Part

Contact your creative part and ask it to think of new ways to carry out the positive intention. Have it communicate these ideas to the part responsible for X.
Then ask the X-responsible part to pick one to three new ways it’s willing to try for a set time (or permanently). Importantly, these new behaviors should fulfill the positive intention at least as well as the old one.

Step 5: Commit and Ensure Future Transfer

Ask the part: “Are you willing to take responsibility for using the new alternative in the relevant context?”
(Possibly: Have the part recognize the cues that trigger the new options, so the new behaviors happen naturally and automatically when these cues appear.)

Step 6: Ecology Check

Finally, ask internally: “Are all other parts of my personality okay with these new alternatives?”
If “No,” return to Step 2.
If “Yes,” thank all parts for their cooperation.