[[IFS]] can certainly help us access [[Self]]. But often when using [[IFS]] alone we're at least partially blended with another part. [[Self-essence ]] is pure [[Self]]. Accessing Self-essence and becoming familiar with this stillness can help our [[Parts]] relax and make [[Self]] more easily accessible. It can also help us become more familiar with the qualities of [[Self]]. And [[Self-essence can awaken parts]]. I've found [[Nonduality]] (its teachings, meditations, inquiries, and contemplations) to be more helpful for accessing [[Self-essence]] than [[IFS]] alone. [[To become Self-led, parts need to learn to trust Self]]. Connecting with parts from [[Self-essence]] can help them learn to trust Self: [[Self-essence can awaken parts]].