The most challenging step in the D.A.D. Protocol is the Affirm step. It’s also a step that truly asks us to take the mindset that our parts want to be treated just like other people do,; that they have a psychology all their own. Internalizing this mindset is the key to being able to fruitfully do this work on your own, and so this step is presenting us with an opportunity. This prompt is intended to help you clarify this step in the protocol.

What are some of the things your more extreme defenders and inner critics say to you? What are some empathic responses you can offer back that affirm what this part is screaming about? When you offer such a response, what do you notice shifting? Is there any feedback from the defender? It might come in the form of sensations changing, different emotions arising, or “thoughts” aka this part saying things.