A gatekeeper alter is a part in a dissociative system that helps manage access to information, memories, emotions, communication, or switching. Some gatekeeper parts try to control which alters are allowed near the front or which parts are allowed to communicate with each other. A gatekeeper may try to limit access to traumatic memories, vulnerable parts, or upsetting emotions until the system is more stable.
Gatekeepers are often protective parts whose goal is to reduce overwhelm, danger, conflict, or instability. A gatekeeper may seem controlling, distant, strict, or secretive, but these behaviors are often meant to protect the system.
Not every system has a gatekeeper alter. Some systems have more than one gatekeeper, and different gatekeepers may handle different tasks.
This page is part of the Understanding Parts and Internal Roles section of the CommuniDID site, which explains why these roles develop and how they function within a dissociative system.
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