The “8 Cs” refer to the eight core qualities of the Self. These qualities are curiosity, compassion, confidence, courage, clarity, creativity, calmness, and connectedness. Schwartz describes these characteristics as spontaneously emerging when an individual is in a state of Self-leadership. The “8 Cs” serve as indicators of Self presence and can be used as a guide for individuals to recognize when they are operating from their Self rather than from a part. These qualities are considered inherent to the Self and do not need to be cultivated or developed, but rather accessed through the process of unburdening parts and allowing the Self to lead.

Blending occurs when a part of an individual’s psyche merges its perspective, emotions, beliefs, and impulses with the Self. During blending, the qualities of the Self are temporarily obscured and seemingly replaced by those of the blended part. This can manifest as overwhelming emotions, dissociation, confusion, or cravings, effectively causing the individual to temporarily “become” the blended part.

Burdens are extreme beliefs or emotions that parts carry as a result of traumatic experiences. In IFS theory, these burdens are seen as foreign objects or energies that become lodged in the bodies of parts, often during childhood or times of distress.