The Qualities of Self in IFS Therapy: Understanding the 8 C’s and 5 P’s

Self can hold all of your parts calmly with courage and compassion once your parts trust that Self will be there to provide for their needs.

What if the most powerful healing force already lives within you?

In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, "Self" is the core of who you are — the calm, compassionate presence inside you that can lead your inner system with wisdom and care. When you're connected to your Self, you're better able to understand your emotions, respond to challenges with clarity, and gently support the parts of you that carry pain or protect you in extreme ways.

IFS teaches that Self shows up through 8 core qualities, often called the 8 C’s, and 5 key capacities known as the 5 P’s.

These qualities aren’t something you have to earn or create — they’re already within you. Therapy can help you access them more often, even when life feels overwhelming.

✨ The 8 C’s of Self:

• Calm

• Clarity

• Compassion

• Curiosity

• Confidence

• Courage

• Creativity

• Connectedness

🌱 The 5 P’s of Self:

• Presence

• Patience

• Perspective

• Persistence

• Playfulness

Download the Visual Guide

I created a simple, calming visual you can download and keep as a reminder of what Self-energy feels like. It’s a helpful tool to revisit between sessions or anytime you want to check in with your internal system.

👉 Download: The Qualities of Self in IFS Therapy (PDF)

Want to explore your own relationship to Self?

Whether you're just starting therapy or deep in the process of healing, reconnecting with your Self can change the way you relate to every part of your life — including the parts of you that carry pain.

Feel free to reach out to me if you're curious about how IFS therapy might support your healing.