Pretend Exercise - Questions to Ask a Protector Part
- Introduction and Building Rapport
- “Hello, I see you there. Can you say more about yourself?”
- Understanding the Part’s Role
- “What is your hope for X by doing what you do or feeling the way you do?”
- “What positive outcomes/feelings are you seeking for X?”
- “How do you try to help X or protect X ?”
- “How long have you been with X?”
- “What is your name or what would you like X to call you?”
- “What is your hope for X by doing what you do or feeling the way you do?”
- Exploring Motivations and Intentions
- “What are you afraid would happen if you didn’t do this job?”
- “What is your main concern or worry?”
- “Is there anything ELSE you’d like X to understand about you?”
- History and Origin
- “When did you first take on this role?”
- “Was there a specific event or time when you felt the need to protect X in this way?”
- “How have you evolved over time?”
- Feelings Toward the Self [THE PERSON]
- “What do you see when you look at X?”
- “Do you know who X is?
- “Do you trust X to hear you without judgment?”
- Relationship with Other Parts
- “Are there other parts you’re particularly concerned about?”
- “Which parts do you interact with the most?”
- “Are you protecting a specific part or parts?”
- Concerns and Fears
- “What are you afraid would happen to X if you didn’t do your job?”
- And then what would happen?
- How do you know that? Has that (what you’re afraid of) ever happened to X before? Can you show X some memories of that?
- “What are you afraid would happen to X if you didn’t do your job?”
- Expressing Appreciation
- “I appreciate all you’ve done for X. How does it feel to hear that?”
- “Is there anything you’d like acknowledgment for?”
- “How can X show you gratitude for your hard work?”
- Future Aspirations
- “If you didn’t have to do this protective job, what would you rather be doing?”
- “What are your hopes for the future?”
- Clarifying Misunderstandings
- “Is there anything you think X misunderstand about you?”
- “Do you feel misunderstood or ignored by other parts?”
- “How can X better understand your perspective?”
- Safety and Trust
- “What would help you feel safer in this process?”
- “How can X earn your trust?”
- “Are there boundaries you’d like X to respect?”
- Feedback for the Self
- “Do you have any requests or suggestions for X?”
- “Is there something you’d like X to do differently?”
- “How can X support you better?”