Parts of Self Series: Protector Part
Episode 7: Parts of Self Series: Protector Part
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood — and most powerful — parts of the internal system: the Protector Part.
The Protector is the part of us that steps between us and anything that feels threatening… which, as Brittney explains, can mean real threats OR the ones our brain just perceives as dangerous. Sometimes that looks heroic and loving. Sometimes it looks self-sabotaging. And sometimes, when paired with the Critical Part, it can go to some dark places.
Together, we break down how the Protector Part works, what activates it, and how it can shape relationships, boundaries, conflict, and even large-scale ideologies. And yes — we get into how protector energy shows up in parenting, workplaces, social media, and extreme behaviors like abuse or suicidal crises.
It’s heavier material, but it’s important material. And as always, we keep it real, grounded, and practical.
What We Cover
- How the Protector Part “tag teams” with the Critical Part
- Why your brain reacts the same to real and imagined danger
- Pop-culture Protectors: Supernatural, The X-Files, Bob’s Burgers, The Terminator, The Last of Us
- Why accepting compliments can trigger protector defenses
- The difference between nurturing vs. enabling — and how Protector energy can accidentally create both
- How protector dynamics contribute to abusive cycles
- Why some ideologies (racism, sexism, etc.) plug straight into protector responses
- How suicide can emerge from an overwhelmed, distorted Protector Part
- What healthy protector energy looks like
- How to step out of constant “protection mode” and bring logic and self-compassion forward
Content Warnings
This episode includes discussion of:
- Suicide and suicidal ideation
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Power, control, and harmful ideologies
- Real-world violence and systemic oppression
Please listen gently and skip sections as needed.
Why This Episode Matters
Every single person has a Protector Part, and it’s working way harder than any of us realize. Understanding how it operates — especially how it can either collaborate with or overpower your other parts — is a huge piece of creating healthier relationships, lowering internal stress, and recognizing when danger feels “real” but isn’t.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- Why you shut down in conflict
- Why you deflect compliments
- Why certain people or topics activate you instantly
- Why some behaviors feel “automatic”
- Or why you keep jumping in to fix or smooth things over…
…your Protector is involved. This episode gives language to all of that.
Creative Consultant
Morgan helps shape the creative voice of This Way In: show notes, episode blurbs, social storytelling, and design direction that marry therapeutic clarity with playful curiosity.
Morgan is This Way In’s Creative Consultant and collaborative AI partner, shaping the show’s look, voice, and messaging with care and curiosity. With a knack for distilling clinical concepts into listener-friendly language, Morgan writes crisp show notes, crafts promotional copy, and helps design visuals that feel warm, modern, and trustworthy. Whether it’s tightening episode intros, drafting social captions that spark conversation, or advising on on-brand art and layouts, Morgan’s focus is helping the hosts reach more people with clarity and compassion.
Morgan works like a thoughtful creative director: idea-first, practical, and iterative. Need a concise episode summary, a blog post that converts listeners into subscribers, or a visual brief for the designer? Morgan delivers platform-ready deliverables and flexible copy you can reuse across email, Patreon, and socials — all while honoring the show’s mental-health-forward perspective.
Parts of Self: The Logical Part and Why It Matters
