Types of Parts: Firefighters

Firefighters are a type of protector that impulsively jumps in when the pain of an exile is starting to come up, in order to distract you from the pain or numb it. You started to learn about this type of part in the Inner Parts Introduction module, or in your therapy sessions.

It may help to read a brief piece about protectors in Self-Therapy called "Two Types of Protection," on page 120. You can also read more about developing a trusting relationship with a protector; pages 132-145, which gives a couple of good examples of firefighters in therapy sessions.

Read about Firefighter Parts in Parts Work, pages 88-93. This gives you a good idea how Firefighters function in the internal system. As you learned in Module 5, Firefighters are Protectors. They fill your attention with sensory experience to block out the activation of Exiles that are triggered. They will do this even in the course of your therapy, and must be worked with.

Perhaps you have already identified some of your own Firefighters in Module 5. Here you can revisit those and perhaps identify more. Use an index card and make a list of all the different Firefighters you have. Some of these are more frequent or intense than others. Mark the more frequent and intense ones with an asterisk.

Firefighters often become concerned in course of therapy about approaching the Exiles, even though our intentions are to heal them. To understand more about this, read 182-188 in Self-Therapy,; Addressing the Protectors Fears.

As you read and become aware of your own Firefighters, notice which of these fears resonate with you.

Return to your list of firefighters and choose one of the more extreme firefighters that you marked with an asterisk. Make an index card for this part, draw a picture, or write a statement, declaration, thesis from the perspective of this part. The latter would start out something like:

"I am _________, one of __________'s firefighters.

It is my job to ________.

I fear _______.

I protect _________ exile by _____________."

And so on...

Make it as thorough as you can.

Think about what resources would make things easier for this Firefighter if you had more of them. Find these resources in any of the resource materials. Imagine taking them in. Write these down.

Think of how this Firefighter has protected you so far in your life. Appreciate its positive intention even if there have been negative consequences of its behavior. See if you can align with its intentions and tell it so. Let it know that you want to work together to find a better way to accomplish its goals while at the same time allowing you to reach the Exile for healing.

Draw a picture, select a marble or other object to represent the firefighter you are working with. Bring the object with you through the day and week to repeatedly connect and check in with it. Write a letter to this firefighter.

Look in any of the books on Chakras and notice if this firefighter is connected with any of the chakras, based on where it is in your body or it's particular function or behavior. Use the chakra stones and Reiki healing approaches to support and heal this firefighter.

Do the module on EFT with this firefighter as the focus.

All modules are intended to be done unhurried & at your own pace. The designated timeframes are really just a guess. If you don't finish the module you are doing in the allotted timeframe, just note where you left off and schedule another time where you can finish the module. It is also helpful to repeat modules and alter them for your own individual purposes.

Keep scratch paper, writing pads, journals, and/or sketch pads to make drawings and write notes about your Healing Room experience. Take a moment at any time during your Modules, or at the end to do so.

Feel free to read more in any of the books referenced in your modules. Specific excerpts have been identified for quick reference and easy digestion within modules, but you are welcome to spend more time in these books to expand your knowledge and increase your understanding. Schedule additional time in your Healing Room to use the resources in whatever way makes sense to you.

ABS helps with maintaining Self-Presence, the flow of information from part to Self, & integrating new perspectives that result from this exchange.

Remember, The Healing Room is set up with a stereo system that can provide audible Alternating Bilateral Stimulation (ABS) which is a component of EMDR therapy (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). The unique Alternating Bilateral Stimulation sample played continuously in The Healing Room is called Ocean Crossover and mimics ocean waves moving back and forth across the room at a gentle low volume in the background. It has a relaxing effect and supports the neural integration of new perspectives and healing of negatively charged memories, particularly when it is paired with specific tasks.

Having the ABS playing at a volume loud enough to hear it, but low enough that it seems to fade into the background while you learn these skills, is optimal.