The Four Trauma Responses in IFS: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn

In the realm of trauma and mental health, the terms "fight," "flight," "freeze," and "fawn" are often discussed. These are the body’s natural responses to perceived threats, deeply rooted in our biology. But did you know that these responses can also be seen as internal protectors? It is important to explore these responses through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in order to better understand how they serve us.

The Four Trauma Responses

1. Fight: This response is characterized by aggression and a readiness to confront the threat. It can manifest as anger, frustration, or even physical confrontation. The fight response is about self-preservation and establishing boundaries.

2. Flight: When faced with danger, the flight response kicks in, urging us to escape. This can mean physically running away or emotionally withdrawing. It’s a way to avoid harm and seek safety.

3. Freeze: The freeze response occurs when neither fight nor flight seems viable. It’s a state of paralysis, where the individual feels stuck and unable to act. This can be seen in situations where someone feels overwhelmed or powerless.

4. Fawn: This lesser-known response involves people-pleasing and compliance to avoid conflict. It’s a way to appease the threat and gain a sense of safety by pleasing others.

Protectors in Disguise

In Internal Family Systems (IFS), we view these trauma responses as protectors. These parts of our psyche are trying to help us survive in a world that sometimes feels threatening. Here’s how each response serves as a protector:

- Fight as a Protector: The fight response acts as a guardian of our boundaries. It emerges when we need to stand up for ourselves, assert our needs, or fend off perceived danger. Though it can sometimes be excessive, its intention is to keep us safe by defending our personal space and integrity.

- Flight as a Protector: The flight response is our internal safety alarm, pushing us to flee from harmful situations. This protector part encourages us to seek environments where we feel secure, helping us avoid potential trauma and stress.

- Freeze as a Protector: When fight or flight isn’t possible, the freeze response steps in to protect us by shutting down and minimizing harm. This state can help us dissociate from the immediate threat, reducing the psychological impact of traumatic events.

- Fawn as a Protector: The fawn response seeks to neutralize threats through compliance and appeasement. By prioritizing others' needs and avoiding conflict, this protector aims to create a safe environment where the threat level is minimized.

Embracing Our Protectors

Understanding that these responses are protectors allows us to approach them with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment. At Safe Space Therapeutics, we encourage individuals to explore their trauma responses through the following steps:

1. Awareness: Recognize which trauma response you tend to use in different situations. Awareness is the first step towards understanding and healing.

2. Compassion: Instead of criticizing yourself for these responses, practice self-compassion. Acknowledge that these protectors have helped you survive and why they developed to begin with.

3. Dialogue: Utilizing IFS, we engage in a dialogue with these protector parts. By understanding their intentions, we can negotiate healthier ways for them to fulfill their protective roles. This is where the main work happens. We slowly build a healthier relationship with our parts by building trust in order to shift our responses to be more balanced.

4. Integration: Work towards integrating these responses in a balanced way. For example, the fight response can be channeled into assertiveness rather than aggression.

In sessions, I'm here to support you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery. By understanding the protective nature of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, we can transform our relationship with trauma and build a more resilient, harmonious self.

Conclusion

Trauma responses are not just reactions to fear; they are integral parts of our internal system designed to protect us. By recognizing and embracing these responses as protectors, we can begin to heal and transform our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. I am committed to providing the support and resources you need on this journey. Remember, every part of you is trying to help—you just need to listen.