🔼: [[💡 Protector Parts]] #### Reactive Protectors (Firefighters) Reactive Protectors (known as "Firefighters" in [[⭐️ Internal Family Systems|IFS]]) are often impulsive, reflexive [[💡 Protector Parts|Protector Parts]]. These Protectors aim, often desperately, to either soothe triggered [[💡 Exiles|Exiles]] or distract from their [[⭐️ Emotions]] after our [[💡 Proactive Protectors|Proactive Protectors]] are either bypassed or unsuccessful. Reactive Protectors are convinced that it's dangerous to “sit with” a feeling and are compelled to change, relieve, or “fix” them—they have a sense of urgency. [[🔑 Protectors are dedicated to maintaining their idea of safety, balance and homeostasis]], and Reactive Protectors will break through walls and destroy things to either put the fire out as soon as possible or get us out of the building (our [[⭐️ Body]]) to protect us. Reactive Protectors seem to care less about consequences compared to [[💡 Proactive Protectors|Proactive Protectors]]. Many of them claim to like what they do and don't want to stop, but this is not always true.[^1] Reactive Protectors are often rejected, isolated, and shamed for their role. They're often hated or feared by other parts, [[💡 Polarization#Proactive Protectors vs Reactive Protectors|polarized with Proactive Protectors]] and/or other people's protectors, and made into [[💡 Protectors-in-Exile|Protectors-in-Exile]].[^1] [[Heather's Story|Heather]] has a drinking and over-eating Reactive Protector: >![[Heather's Story#^ded790]] ###### Working with Reactive Protectors If a [[💡 Part Constellation|Part Constellation]] includes at least one Reactive Protector, it’s typically a good idea to prioritize getting to know them first because they tend to get us into trouble and damage our relationships. This may not always be possible, which is okay. The idea is to recognize them in a safe place and cultivate a new relationship with them. - [[🕯️ Part-Tending]] - Practicing [[🕯️ Mindfulness]] helps us to recognize the moments when Reactive Protectors are provoked in daily life and connect with them in real-time. - [[🕯️ Fire Drill (You-Turn)]] - [[🧘 Trigger Practice]] - [[☀️ Compassion#Self-Compassion|☀️ Compassion]] - [[💡 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy|Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)]] - [[💡 Dialectical Behavior Therapy|Dialectical Behavior (DBT)]] - Other forms of [[💡 Therapy|Therapy]] - [[🕯️ Self-Stewardship]] - Learn [[🕯️ Tending to feelings]] (anger, frustration, or other strong emotions) without [[🛡️ Acting Out]] or [[🛡️ Acting In]]. - [[Communication]] skills - [[🛠️ Nonviolent Communication]] - [[🕯️ Generative Conflict|Conflict]] - [[🕯️ Self-Regulation]] - cognitive restructuring ###### See Also - [[🔑 Hold labels loosely]] - [[🔑 Proactive Protectors and Reactive Protectors are more alike than different]] - [[Protector Strategies 🛡️]] [^1]: [[📖 ✅ IFS Online Circle]] Month 2: The Protective System & Fears of the Protectors