Protector parts in trauma

12 March 2022

Here, we see a handy graphic from @Mindful.brains on the fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses to trauma. (Do note that these responses are not definitive and are just a general guide.) Map them to your protector parts and you can see how hard the parts are working to protect you from trauma (pain).

These responses may not turn up in stereotypical ways. Fight can look like irritability or frustration rather than rage. Freeze can present as feeling dazed or hazy. What’s important is to honour your unique personal experience and not seek to fit it into a box.

These responses or “symptoms” can indicate that parts are working hard to achieve something for you. That something could be an internal or external goal, or both.