![]() ![]() Then we would call it an ego-dystonic defence mechanism. Then lets say after a number of counselling sessions the counsellor can help him see he is sad by his avoidance and wants to socialise more. But more commonly the loneliness has been pushed into the unconscious using the defences of denial. Meaning he genuinely believes that it is okay to live a life of solitude and has no need to do anything about it. He is demonstrating an ego-syntonic defence. But he does not regard that as a problem at all and is happy to remain alone. So here in another example there is a man who manages his social anxiety by avoiding people entirely. Then others are ego-dystonic (the use of the defence causes us long term distress). Some defences are ego-syntonic (there is no conscious conflict about deploying the defence). Defence Mechanisms Defences Mechanisms – Ego Syntonic and Ego Dystonic Then she is engaging in the more adaptive and flexible defence mechanism of “suppression”. Then in the meantime she decides not to think about the lump and the possibility of cancer. However if having already made an appointment to see a specialist to have the lump checked out. How? if she ignores and denies it entirely and it is cancerous, she could lose her life. I am hoping you can see by denying this completely then she is risking her long-term health. So then she removes her current anxiety around the idea of the lump being possible cancer by using the defence of denial (huh what lump are you talking about) Let’s say you meet a woman who refuses to engage with the possibility that a lump in her breast could be cancerous. Here is an example of what I am stating above. Then voila the use is not adaptive and flexible. But is actually causes long term physical pain and problems. What this means is If the defence is in use to help you feel less distressed in the here and now. (Howard, 2017, P139).Īnother important way of thinking about this is how well defences are being adapted to the reality of the situation. Then their use leads to more distress for us. This is when defences are used in situations which don’t really warrant them. As well as the ability to conduct our relationships in open and fulfilling ways. You see very rigid and inflexable defences limit us from living our lives to the fullest of experience. I am sure you have come across the term pathological liar? in actual fact generally it is the defence mechanism that is behind the lie that is to be overcome (unless it is part of a mental disorder). Then they can become part of our character structure. ![]() Fixed Defence Mechanismsįixed defence mechanisms can be problematic when they are overly rigid. And the developmental theorists understand defences as reflecting a developmental arrest, before the mental structures are in place. However object relations theorists understand defences as the way we manage our relationships with our objects (significant relationships). The goal that our unconscious can be made conscious. So, In classical theory Defences are obstacles to be overcome. ![]() He said we need them to manage internal conflict. The traditional view of Defence Mechanisms were conceptualised by Freud. Some psychobabble here but I will be brief. The goal is to enable them to use them with flexibility and adaptability to the reality situation at the time. #Coccinellida defensive mechanism free#When working with clients in counselling the goal is not to free people of their defence mechanisms. ![]() As usually we are completely unaware of their purpose as they remain mostly unconscious to us when we are using them (no I’m not, yes you are!). So they provide a protective barrier against life’s emotional punches and blows for our psychological organ.Ĭommonly many of us tend to take our defence mechanisms for granted. #Coccinellida defensive mechanism skin#Thus offering similar protective functions to our physical skin to our internal organs. One way of looking at defence mechanisms is they act like a psychic skin. As we all know that those feelings are a normal part of our daily lives. And we will also explore why they are commonly used not only in counselling but in general.įirst and foremost it is important to note that we all need defence mechanisms in place to survive in this rough and tumble world we live in.īy this I mean that we all need ways of protecting ourselves from anxiety. In today’s article we are looking at defence mechanisms in counselling. ![]()
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