##### Integration Step 6 or in [[💡 The IFS Process]] Previous Step: [[💡 Invitation]] In [[⭐️ Internal Family Systems|IFS]] integration is the opposite of [[💡 Exiles|exiling]] and [[Fragmentation]]. Every time we do this step, we make progress toward [[🔑 Decrease the reactivity of and re-harmonize the inner system, so that we can respond rather than react|🔑 decreasing the reactivity of and re-harmonizing the inner system]]. It has a couple different meanings: 1. Sometimes multiple [[💡 Parts|Part]] merge into one or release their energies into the whole of the inner-ecosystem, like a wave falling into the ocean. 2. More often, to integrate a [[💡 Parts|Part]] is to ask how they're going to be reintroduced into the ecosystem and be welcomed by the other parts.[^1] When a part is brought out of [[💡 Exiles|Exile]] and rejoins the family, not only is their pain healed but they’re free to express and embody their unique talents and gifts.[^2] ###### Step 1 Ask the part something like, "What would you like to do now?" or "What were you born to do?"[^3] Sometimes they have a specific role in mind. Sometimes they just want to sleep, rest, or be held. Others just want to kid stuff — to be free, to play, to be in nature.[^4] ###### Step 2 When a part is fully unburdened, they are no longer a [[💡 Protector Parts|Protector]] or [[💡 Exiles|exile]] — they’re just themselves. The other parts they were in relationship with, any parts who had anything to do with them while they were burdened, need to see them. Invite all the parts in relationship with this one to come in and notice the journey and transformation this part has gone through. They need to integrate what's happened ([[🔑 Parts have Parts]]). [^5] Some [[💡 Protector Parts]] will immediately step out of their roles too, some don’t. ###### Step 3 Tell the part you've just unburdened and others you've interacted with that you'll follow-up with them. Return to those same parts in future sessions for at least four weeks. You can also check in on the parts in relationship with them for a few minutes each day. This helps integrate the change and develop new neural pathways.[^5] Sometimes it takes more than four weeks, sometimes it takes much less. Figure out which days you can and can't commit to checking in, and don't overpromise.[^5] It’s okay if some parts still want to be cared for by others, so long as the main connection is with [[💡 Presence]]. Next Step: [[💡 Appreciation]] ![[❓ My exile is unburdened. Why won't their protector come out of their role]] [^1]: [[📖 ✅ IFS Online Circle]] Month 3: Working with Exiles & The Trauma Behind the Rage - Unpacking the Steps of Healing Part 1 & 2 [^2]: [[📖 ✅ IFS Online Circle]] Month 1: Overview of IFS & The Flow of the Model [^3]: [[📖 ✅ IFS Online Circle]] Month 3: Working with Exiles & The Trauma Behind the Rage - Month 3 with Toni Herbine-Blank [^4]: [[📖 ✅ IFS Online Circle]] Month 3: Working with Exiles & The Trauma Behind the Rage - Unpacking the Steps of Healing Part 1 & 2 [^5]: [[📖 ✅ IFS Online Circle]] Month 3: Working with Exiles & The Trauma Behind the Rage - Month 3 with Pam Krause