sunrise, I think it's wonderful that you and your T are working on important things after 5 years. I'm glad that you are able to do that. You know that I understand about the parts since my T does Internal Family Systems therapy. I like the way your T did it with the circle.

I think work with our younger selves is fascinating and powerful. It's amazing how we can actually "see" the part. ReadytoStop and BonnieJean, I didn't think it was possible before I started doing IFS with my current T. She asks questions similar to sunrise's T. In addition, she asks me if that part knows I'm there. She asks how old she is, and what does she need from me. I've not always been able to comfort that part but I can usually visualize her. It does seem weird, but it works! Since I always want my T to be there too, she has me visualize herself AND me comforting the child part.

sunrise, I hope that you can work up to being able to hug your young adult self. I've read about the T talking directly to the part but my T hasn't done that. I think it would be productive. My T tells me to ask the part what she wants to know, but the part doesn't always have an answer.

I'm glad you're doing this work in your T. With your capable T, I'm sure it will be very helpful for you.