The 8 C’s

The 8 C’s in Internal Family Systems (IFS) offer a helpful way to understand the qualities that tend to show up when we are moving away from the ego (who we think we should be) towards the self (who we actually are).

The 8 C’s are: 1. Connectedness 2. Curiosity 3. Creativity 4. Confidence 5. Clarity 6. Courage 7. Compassion 8. Calmness

These qualities are a helpful guide for coaches. They give us a way to tune into both our own state and our client’s state. When we bring the 8 C’s into a session, we are more able to help our clients access and live from them as well (We are deeply grateful to our teacher Guthrie Sayen for sharing this wisdom with us).

Noticing the 8 C’s can also signal that a client may be ready for deeper work or that it is a good moment to introduce a question or explore a new topic. When you observe one or more of the 8 C’s in a client, it can be powerful to name it. For example, you might say, “I’m experiencing your compassion right now,” or “It seems like you have more clarity on this than you did before.”

Coaching application: In your next session, tune into which of the 8 C’s you are noticing in your client. Name one aloud. Notice how that acknowledgment affects the energy of the session.

Life application: In a conversation with a friend or partner, notice when one of the C’s arises. Name one aloud. Watch how naming it influences the dynamic.

Relevant Upbuild content:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Parts Work: Your Internal Board of Directors (Apple / Spotify)