System Roles

Not every alter may find a role they fit here, many systems create their own roles! This is just supposed to be a helpful guide if you want, every experience is unique.

• hosts
• caretakers
• holders
• Protectors
• Littles
• ISH
• gatekeepers
• Introjects

HOSTS are alters who front the most or deal with the most external tasks. They have the most responsibility over day to day life. According to Traumadissociation.com(1) Hosts are most commonly ANPs, not holding trauma. However that may not be true for all systems, as any alter can be a host. Some system do not have a host and are able to function without. HOSTS and CORES are two different terms, the theory of structural dissociation disproves the existence of a core in most systems.

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CARETAKERS are a type of PROTECTOR. Often times they are based off what the child viewed as a form of comfort, caretakers are often based off a real person however not always. they help manage and take care of other alters, including syskids and trauma holders. They may front to calm the body down during an episode or moment of panic. They may also take care of people externally (ex: children). Caretakers may struggle with taking care of themselves, and find they get tired easily when it comes to socializing. Caretakers are a type of EP. Some different Types of caretakers are listen below.

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A HOLDER is a type of alter who holds onto something specific for the system. They are Eps. They may hold anything including memories, feelings, and, pain. Some different types of holders are listed below.

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PROTECTORS are a common alter type. Protectors are an EP and sometimes referred to as "fight" parts. Not due to physical fights, but the reaction due to PTSD. Protector alters may try to manage rage and anger, and avoid feelings of hurt, fear or shame.(2) They may be internal or External. They may be treatment resistant. Persecutors and Caretakers are types of Protectors.

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LITTLES are a common type of alter. These alters are young / a child. They may talk in a childlike manner. Often times they hold trauma that the body experienced around at age (ex: physical abuse). some child alters may hold lots of pain and trauma while some are more energetic and playful, only holding fun memories. Littles may be an idealized representation of the "perfect child", or whatever would be necessary for survival at the time. Child alters are different then having an "inner child" which is a non DID term. Child alters may range from 0-17, yet some systems chose to classify alters 13+ as teenagers instead. Some littles may lack survival skills, they may be unable to read, write, or talk.

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INTERNAL SELF HELPERS (or ISH) are helper parts. They are alters who don't front ever/frequently. Internal self helpers and gatekeepers share lots of overlap and often times (not always) the same role. sometimes they're referred to as managers, they tend to be able to have a connection with people in the system, know more about it, and have more control or influence over what happens. They have lots of knowledge about other alters/how the system works and may help by telling the therapist things.

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GATEKEEPRS are alters who can control alters/memories. They can hold Alters back from fronting, force others to front, or force people to be front stuck.

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INTROJECTS are alters based off an outside source, whether it's someone known from real life, a famous person, or, a fictional character. They are based of the internal representation and may hold memories that may or may not be 'cannon'. Introjects are a common alter type.

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