loving every part
We all have a system of different inner Parts—some that carry pain, and others that work hard to protect us from it.
When stuck in a stress response like fight, flight, or freeze, our "Protective" Parts often take over to help us deal. Dr. Richard Schwartz, developed Internal Family Systems, (IFS), to help us get to know the landscape of our internal parts.
These "Protective Parts" are essentially coping mechanisms developed to manage overwhelming experiences and keep us safe. In the IFS framework, there are two types of Protector Parts and both parts have the same goal, to shield us from pain.
Group A: The Managers
Managers: Proactive protectors that try to control situations to prevent pain.
The managers go to work by trying to control, striving for protection, criticizing self, or worrying excessively.
Group B: The Firefighters
Firefighters: Reactive protectors that spring into action when pain is triggered.
The firefighters work to "put the fire out" as fast as possible so you don't feel the pain. This can look like numbing with substance abuse or food.
To identify the Manager parts within you, ask yourself:
Are there aspects of your life where you feel the need to be overly structured, in control, or perfectionistic?
Do you hear an inner voice that constantly critiques you or pushes you to achieve more?
Do you often feel anxious about the future, always planning and preparing for every possible outcome?
Is setting boundaries or saying no to others something you struggle with?
These manager parts work hard to keep you safe and in control, but getting to know them with curiosity can help bring more balance and ease into your life.
To identify your Firefighter parts, consider these questions:
How do you typically react when you're feeling overwhelmed or emotionally triggered?
Are there habits or behaviors you turn to that feel impulsive or that you later regret?
Do you find yourself zoning out, numbing, or escaping when things become too difficult?
Are there certain behaviors that seem to emerge suddenly when you're under stress?
Firefighter parts step in to protect you from intense emotions, often through distraction or avoidance. Understanding their role can help you work with them rather than against them.
SE helps us listen to the body’s signals—things like tension, shakiness, or numbness—and slowly guide the nervous system back to balance. Together with IFS, they create a healing process that feels grounded, safe, and deeply supportive developing nervous system resilience alongside emotional healing.
