All very interesting answers. I think I'm starting to see now why some of us are subject to triggers only and some have almost total control. With me it's a mix. Our Gatekeeper is called "The Primary" which is something picked up from an old cop show. Officers on that show held that title if they were in charge of an investigation.
So, the Primary basically maintains order in a mind that would otherwise be chaotic. Directives are to prevent arguments between other personalities, see to it that all are content so, that there are no demands put upon the host and to help prevent unwanted shifting and to force unruly personalities back into the background. There are some personalities that are not subject to the primary's control though because they know how to conduct themselves and are very dependable. We are however still subject to some triggers and alters who are triggered are allowed to stay in place until they do something that starts to feel stressful to the host, they run their course then, fade into the background or another trigger takes place, bringing out a different alter. As the host I can also bypass the Primary to summon any alter I choose for whatever reason. As the head personality and creator of the Primary I also have the authority to banish or exile troublesome personalities from the collective or force them back into a sleep state or dormancy. DH has been banished twice in the past because he defied me and challenged my authority. We have a special place within us for alters like that. This is how at least in the past I was able to run such a tight ship in my head but, recent intense stress is making it very difficult and things are really starting to come apart. Alters are now coming and going as they please and it's starting to take myself, the Primary and sometimes even G to make them obey.
I contacted my doctor's office and requested an earlier appointment date and told them what was happening to me so, hopefully I will get some much needed one on one therapy very soon to help me to regain control.
So, that's how it's all been for me/us lately.