When I hit a block riddled with anxiety I’ve meditated on it. I make friends with it, give a sense of color, texture. I thank it for helping me I acknowledge its “love” for my wellbeing. I sit quietly in this space. Sometimes I do this process many times. Eventually I explain to this protector, again, how appreciative i am that it has worked so hard to keep me safe. Then I lovingly explain that I’m no longer a child, and I have stronger coping skills than ever before. And that protection is very important but now we (that protector part and my adult conscious part) can work together, as a team to face the world.
For me, this process seems to help integrate these seemingly opposing desires in my mind, allowing me to let down my guard a bit. Fighting that protector part with impatience, for me, just entrenches it more. Best of luck! Wishing you blessed discoveries on you road to healthy awareness!