How To: Advanced Visual Squash

Human experience is rarely neat and singular. Most of us carry within us different aspects, sometimes unconscious “parts”, that want conflicting things. One part may crave instant pleasure, while another pushes us toward long-term goals. When these inner parts clash, incongruence is born. The Advanced Visual Squash Pattern offers a systematic way to resolve these internal tug-of-wars, fostering integration and harmony.

The problem is not that we have internal voices with different agendas; this is perfectly normal. The real challenge is when these parts compete rather than cooperate. Picture an internal football match where the forward and the goalie both want to win, but they’re scoring on different nets. To restore wholeness, we need to recognise the underlying positive intention of each part; every part is “on your team,” even if their methods seem counterproductive.

• _{Step 1:}
  Identify and Separate the Parts

  Begin by finding the internal “part” that produces a specific behaviour or emotion. Ask, “Is there a part of you responsible for this reaction?” Then, clarify which other part wants something different. For example: “One part wants to relax and eat, another wants to stay fit.” Each part holds a different value and likely has a distinct set of criteria.

• _{Step 2:}
  Create Sensory Representations

  Invite the client to “make real” each part using sensory detail:

  – “What would the eating part look like? Does it have a voice or a feeling?”

  – “What would the fitness part sound like? What’s its colour, shape, or texture?”

  Once the images are alive, imagine placing each part into a different hand, left and right. Assigning them physical space (or spatial anchors) helps the mind perceive separation.

• _{Step 3:}
  Elicit Positive Intent Behind Each Part

  No matter the outward behavior—even if it’s destructive—each part is trying to achieve something valuable. Ask: “What good are you trying to do for me by acting this way?” Sometimes, this requires several rounds of inquiry, digging beneath surface motivations until you find a core value like safety, love, or freedom.

  Even if a positive intent doesn’t appear right away, continue reassessing. “What’s important about doing this?” Keep peeling the layers until both parts offer a “golden” intent.

• _{Step 4:}
  Exchange Resources Between the Parts

  With both parts aware of their shared positive intention, explore: “Does either part have strengths or resources that could help the other?” For example, perhaps the fit part is disciplined, and the eating part is creative.

  Now, have each part “send” its resource across, a simple kinesthetic metaphor works here: imagine moving the resource from one hand, up the arm, through the mind, and down the other arm into the opposite hand.

  Watch for nonverbal cues; the client may physically shift or seem to relax as resources are exchanged. This act of transfer uses sub-modality mapping, helping the brain connect qualities in new ways.

• _{Step 5:}
  Form a Third, Integrated Image

  Ask: “If both parts had access to the same resources and positive intent, what would that look or feel like?” Encourage the client to construct a new, merged representation—maybe a shape, colour, or feeling that combines elements of both originals.

  Place this third, integrated image in the space between the two hands, capturing the synthesis.

• _{Step 6:}
  Bridge the Gap & Move Toward Integration

  Now, have the person slowly turn their hands to face each other, visualising a gradual transition where the two original parts move toward that new central image. This is the corridor of change: as the hands come together, the old conflict dissolves, and integration takes its place.

• _{Step 7:}
  Lead Physical Integration

  Model the motion: as the facilitator, mirror the client’s hand movements. Say, “Each part now recognises the other’s positive purpose. You’ve exchanged resources and created something new. Let your hands come together as quickly as you feel ready to fully integrate these parts into a single, empowered whole.” Gradually, bring the hands together.

• _{Step 8:}
  Complete the Integration

  Allow the client to pause. The brain needs a moment for “total neurological integration.” Ask, “What’s different now? Do you see one image or two?” Invite the client to focus on the united part. With hands together, guide them to imagine the new resourceful part absorbing back into themselves, as if drawing the energy in for future use.