Richard C. Schwartz developed the therapeutic modality of Internal Family Systems in the 1980s. He created this model based on his work with certain clients and he saw for himself how different parts of the self intermingle with each other. This approach provides a more holistic method to know and address various intrinsic conflicts and emotional difficulties that one may have to face.

One of the core concepts of IFS is what is known as “parts”. It categorises the self into different parts, such as ‘Managers’, ‘Exiles’ and ‘Firefighters’. Today, we will take an in depth look at the Managers and Firefighters, often regarded as those parts of the self that has a protective function and helps in maintaining control.

To understand the protectors better, we may equate them to a manager, who oversees the overall functioning of the employees and maintains their well-being. Similarly, the protector parts shield the person from intense emotions and trauma. They play a vital role in maintaining safety and stability.

What are Protector Parts?

The major protective parts of oneself are known as managers and firefighters. The managers have a defensive function and they strive to maintain order by keeping the person away from potential triggers and emotional discomfort. On the other hand, Firefighters have an offensive function and they tend to react impulsively to any immediate crises that the individual faces.

Both the protectors play a role in keeping guard of the “Exile” parts. Managers do so by maintaining routines and drawing appropriate boundaries as needed while Firefighters do so by taking an active role in responding to crises thereby unwanted triggering of the exiled parts. Thus, the protectors prevent any further harm by ensuring emotional safety and help the individual to tide over difficult times till they learn enough adaptable coping skills through therapy which can enable deeper healing.

The Role of Manager Parts

The managers in IFS are proactive in maintaining control over the person’s external environment and emotions so as to protect the vulnerable exiles. It often appears in oneself as certain traits such as perfectionism, over – control, or avoidance of any kind of emotional vulnerabilities.

Some examples of Managers in daily life are:

- Overworking: Keeping oneself engaged in order to distract or avoid dealing with any emotional discomfort.

- People-pleasing: Making sure that others are approving of oneself to avoid getting rejected.

- Self-criticism: Constantly examining oneself to mitigate any chances of failure or feelings of inadequacy.

The main purpose of Managers is to avoid situations or emotions that might trigger the intense pain that Exiles may have to go through.

The Role of Firefighter Parts

Firefighters are known to be much more impulsive than Managers as they readily exhibit extreme or destructive behaviors to avoid or numb down the pain. Much unlike Managers, they come into action only after a crises comes up in the individual’s life. Some behaviours shown by the Firefighter parts of oneself include addiction, self-sabotage, binge-eating, or emotional outbursts such as intense crying spells or screaming in anger. Such behaviours may offer some relief in the short term but it can certainly backfire in the long term.

The cardinal purpose of Firefighters is to protect the individual by closing down any kind of emotional upheaval and prevent oneself from being overwhelmed due to unresolved trauma or deep emotional pain.

Why Protector Parts Aren’t ‘Bad’

Although, we have seen that these roles have a protective function, it is certainly a very common misconception that they are only causing harm or are maladaptive in nature. This is not entirely true as healing from unresolved trauma takes different timelines for each individual and in the meantime, these parts help in preserving the self from further damage and helps one in taking the needed time to heal themselves. Thus, it is important that we do not give these parts a negative label and appreciate them for their role in our selves.

Working with Protector Parts in IFS

IFS provides a safe space for us to explore these parts in much greater detail and work through them. It can teach us various ways to incorporate these parts into a well integrated self and lead them to a healthier recovery from trauma.

Conclusion

So, now, we know the various functions that protectors play in oneself. One must have been able to identify these parts of oneself. We must show compassion to these parts of ourselves as well and if needed, one may explore it further through IFS therapy. Reach out to a trained professional today and harmonise your internal systems.