The Format

This is a format used for resolving internal conflicts to enable new behaviors.

The Visual Squash is a format that aligns with standardized parts work.

Basic Idea

The goal of the Visual Squash is to find a solution between two internal parts in conflict or with apparently opposing interests.
These two parts are represented on the client’s hands, and their submodalities are elicited.
By establishing contact with and between these two parts, the positive intention behind each is uncovered, and both parts acknowledge each other.
Through communication with the two parts, they are prepared for integration, which is symbolized by bringing the hands together.
In this way, new behaviors often emerge—behaviors that take into account the positive intentions of both (or possibly more) parts.

Application and Use

The Visual Squash is particularly useful when two possible courses of action interfere with each other and may even negatively impact or block one another.
Sometimes you get the feeling that if you do “this one thing,” you’d really rather do “that other thing,” and vice versa.
In the end, you end up not consciously doing either, and your mind is not really present in either action.

Examples:

• Where do I want to live—small town or big city?
• Where do I want to spend my vacation—at the sea or in the mountains?
• How do I want to spend my evening—go to the gym or rest?
• How do I respond to situation X—stay calm or speak my mind?
• How do I respond in an argument—give in or wait it out?

Standard Steps:

1. Name the internal conflict and work out each part’s perspective
2. Visualize one part on each hand and describe the representation
3. Ask each for its positive intention and acknowledge it
4. Use hypnotic language to bring the parts together. Something new emerges.
5. Integrate the new (Re-Association)
6. Ecology Check
7. Future Pace

Detailed Description:

1. Name the Internal Conflict and Elaborate on Each Perspective

State the internal conflict and work out the perspectives of the opposing parts.
Do you know of any situations where you feel torn between two sides?

2. Visualize a Part on Each Hand and Describe the Representation

Identify the Submodalities.

Place the two conflicting parts on your respective hands. Identify with them and describe their submodalities.
The client should feel, hear, and see these two parts.

• How do the two parts feel on each hand?
• Is one hand warmer or heavier?
• Does one part have a color, or can you perceive a shape?
• Is there a suitable symbol for this part?
• Are there any sounds or voices?
• What does the part say?

Perform this for both parts separately!
First, detail the submodalities for one part, then for the other, and use these notes later for the integration.

Important: Take notes.

3. Ask Each Part for Its Positive Intention and Acknowledge It

Discover the positive intention and acknowledge it.

Greet each part and establish communication.
Have each part state its positive intention, speaking for itself in the first person.

• Do both parts know about each other? Are they aware of each other?
• What is each part’s positive intention, and which value does it represent?
• Are they aware that they are both part of one whole, that they can learn from each other and possibly complement one another?
• Do these two parts respect and accept each other yet?

Then acknowledge both parts and thank them for being there.

Ask About Resources

Next, ask about each part’s resources and find out which of these resources might also be helpful to the other part or could be shared.
Support and guide the negotiation between the two parts.

• Does each part consider the other’s positive intention or value worth supporting?
• What might cooperation between these two parts look like?
• What would need to change so they could work together and accept each other?
• What would a joint goal look like?

Develop the goal with both parts and integrate any additional resources if necessary.
If one of the parts is quite young, let it grow older.
Ask each part separately if it acknowledges and accepts the other. Let them value each other once more.

4. Use Hypnotic Language to Unite the Parts

Use hypnotic language (Hypnotalk) to help bring both parts/hands together.
Something new emerges.
Cooperation and Integration

Prepare both parts for cooperation and guide them toward integration.
Here, the submodalities identified in the first step and hypnotic language patterns can be very helpful.

Bringing the Hands Together:

1. Make both parts aware that they respect and support each other to achieve their goals faster and more effectively.
2. Ask both parts if they are willing to cooperate with and integrate the other part.
3. If “Yes,” slowly bring your hands together.
4. If you experience hesitation during the joining, find out why.
5. It’s possible that one of the two parts—or even a part not previously considered (see Variations)—objects to the union.
6. If there are objections, clarify why (go back to “ask about positive intentions and acknowledge them”). If necessary, identify and integrate useful resources.

Hypnotalk Example:

“And now, as you slowly notice how your hands are moving toward each other at the pace that’s right and comfortable for you, you can continue to relax and focus on the communication between these two parts. Let them do exactly what is helpful to both, bringing them closer and closer. As both recognize their abilities and perhaps the potential that’s been hidden here or there, you may soon be fascinated by the changes happening within you. Perhaps you’ll notice a picture or a symbol once your hands touch and both parts come together, as quickly as you allow and as soon as both parts accept each other.”

5. Integrate the New (Re-Association)

Once your hands have come together, explore the submodalities of integration for the newly formed part (especially visually).
What image or symbol might represent this integration?
What does the joining of your hands represent for you?
The image or symbol that appears (or is forming) now that the two parts have come together at their own pace—merging and accepting each other—could represent, for you, entirely new ways to achieve all your goals while perceiving and recognizing even more of your potential.

6. Ecology Check

For the ecology check, place both hands somewhere on your body that feels appropriate.

• How does it feel under your hands?
• What does it feel like? Does it feel good?
• Do you need anything else?

If something is still missing, inquire into the reason and the resource you might need.
Sometimes another part may voice concerns or suggestions at this point.
Repeat the process until no more objections arise.
This concludes the process of parts negotiation.

7. Future Pace

Finally, have the client imagine a future situation where this new behavior is now integrated.

• How will you experience the situation differently than before?
• How does it feel?
• How are you doing with it?