The 8 C’s of IFS

A serene watercolor illustration depicting a young woman meditating beside a lake at sunset, surrounded by trees and flowers. The image features symbols and labels for the eight qualities of self: Calmmess, Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, Courage, Clarity, Confidence, and Connectedness.

The 8 C’s of IFS are the key qualities of the core Self - the true essence of who we are. They are:

  • Calmness

  • Curiosity

  • Clarity

  • Compassion

  • Confidence

  • Courage

  • Creativity

  • Connectedness

The 8 C’s remind us that beneath our fears, self-doubt and protective strategies lies a Self that is naturally compassionate, resilient and capable of healing. By nurturing these qualities, we can build healthier relationships with our Parts, ourselves and those around us.

Picture of serene lake describing the quality of calmness
Image describing the qualities of curiosity
Image describing the qualities of clarity
Image describing the qualities of compassion
Image describing the qualities of confidence
A woman with a backpack standing on a rocky path overlooking the ocean at sunset. Signposts nearby read: 'I am brave,' 'I choose,' and 'I move forward.' The image is part of an inspirational poster about courage, featuring text that encourages facing fears, pushing limits, and taking responsibility for impact.
Image describing the qualities of creativity
Image describing the qualities of connection
5 P's button image