In IFS, one of the assumptions held is that the mind is naturally made up of different Parts. Each Part has their own perspective, feelings, and role within the system. Some of the first Parts we get to know are the Protectors. Protectors are the Parts of us who try to keep up from feeling pain and from getting hurt ever again.
Protectors have one important job: protect the system at all cost. Because of this, these Parts may carry a deep sense of responsibility and vigilance even if the ways they go about doing their jobs aren’t always helpful.
It’s important to remember that we are not trying to get rid of our Protectors. Rather, we can offer hope that things could be different and we want to be able to view these Parts differently. After all, these Parts have helped us survive thus far and they are trying to protect some of our more vulnerable Parts that hold a lot of pain, fear, or shame.
At its heart, IFS helps us build a better relationship with our Parts that comes from a place of compassion, understanding, and groundedness. When we are able to come from these frameworks, protection within the system can become flexible, supportive, and aligned with who you truly are.
If you are curious to learn more about EMDR, IFS-informed EMDR, or are interested in beginning your EMDR/IFS-informed EMDR therapy journey, please reach out to me via the Contact Me page on my website. You can also learn more about EMDR as well as additional EMDR therapists in your area by visiting the EMDR International Association’s website here. You can learn more about IFS by visiting the IFS Institute’s website here.
Reminder: these blog posts are meant to be purely educational and/or entertainment tools and do NOT replace psychotherapy and/or other medically necessary treatments.