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do you have any advice on what to do if i have an introject of an objectively terrible historical figure and said introject has the terrible beliefs of his source? he wants to use the name of his source but i don't want to validate that it's okay to keep that identity and those beliefs. for context the target of his ideology are groups i'm a part of so it's even more deeply uncomfortable.
i (and i guess like. 99% of specialists lol) like to frame these parts not as “bad” but as misguided protectors. they might embody the voice of an abuser or harmful figure because they’re trying to keep the system "safe" in some way, even if it doesn’t feel like it. in your case, this introject might:
the key is to work with this introject not as an enemy, but as someone who’s stuck in their role and needs a new job.
janina emphasizes compassion without compliance. you don’t have to agree with or validate the introject’s beliefs, but you can approach him with curiosity and respect to help him evolve. here’s how that could start:
"i know you’re here, and i understand you feel strongly about what you believe. but we need to figure out why you’re holding onto these things. if we figure out why and how, you can be able to do what you need to do, without me or others trying to stop you."
this sets the stage for a dialogue, not a battle.
this helps shift the focus from his beliefs to his role. understanding doesn’t mean excusing. it just gives you tools to work with him.
*this shouldn't/doesn't have to be done all in one go. you wouldn't expect to do the same in therapy, so why would you expect to do it out of therapy either?
this approach helps him feel seen without reinforcing harmful behaviors or ideologies.
on the note of not wanting him using the source's name or holding onto those harmful beliefs. here’s how you might navigate THAT:
you could offer a neutral or random name instead. it can be temporary if that helps. you can also offer him the option in way that works with most people (and children): "I'm going to refer to you differently, but I want you to be involved with that process. do you want to help suggest names, or do you want me to come up with something for you?" - if he isn't cooperative, then you can move to "okay, well we can call you xyz for now. let me know if you want something different."
then, after all of this, in bits and pieces you can attempt reeducation, if he’s open to it.
if he’s at all willing to listen, you can start challenging those beliefs gently:
- explain how his ideology actively harms you (and others in the system, if applicable).
- share your values and why those beliefs don’t align with safety or healing.
- frame this as a way for him to "grow" or adapt in the system, which can sometimes appeal to introjects who see themselves as powerful or important. if you need to, you can also frame this as "you say you're superior, but we have all these other alters who are able to front and do a lot more things in the system. wouldn't it be better for you to act in ways that don't position you under them?"
as for managing immediate harm...
if/when he’s outright harmful to you or the system, you don’t have to engage with him all the time. you can protect yourself by
- setting strict boundaries internally. if other parts can, you can ask them to help regulate when and how he shows up.
- creating internal safe spaces: this includes for him as well. he probably desires autonomy, and working on visualizing a space for him that works for him and gives him that will probably be appreciated.
the ultimate aim isn’t necessarily to "get rid" of him - it’s to help him let go of the harmful identity and beliefs so he can exist in a way that doesn’t hurt you or the system. introjects have the capacity to change, even if it’s slow and messy.
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