Many of us have a fear of change because of it presents us with unfamiliar and unpredictable emotions, and also because change makes us aware of the passage of time, linking up unconsciously with the idea of death.
The Fear of Change Read More »
In early infantile development, the baby projects unbearable experience into its caretakers who, by responding appropriately to what is needed, function as a kind of external container for that experience, gradually helping the infant to develop a mind of its own.
The Development of Mind and Meaning (Part I) Read More »
Ambivalence in both senses of the word — conflicting emotions for the same person, and difficulty in choosing between different options — both reflect idealized expectations and an underlying perfectionism.
Ambivalence and the Perfect Answer Read More »
Do we exempt people who are dying from the expectations we usually have for other people, such as consideration, fairness and reciprocity?
What Do We Owe to Those Who Are Dying? Read More »
Personal observations on the actual moment when a defensive maneuver occurs, in order to evade pain, as well some reflections on the nature and value of the spiritual experience.
A Hiking Meditation Read More »
In order to empathize with another person, you have to recognize that he or she actually exists apart from and without specific reference to you. Our ability to tolerate separateness largely determines how well we are able to empathize with others.
The precocious development of verbal thought can function as a defense against unbearable emotional chaos; in later life, this kind of “thinking” often takes on a life of its own, can feel persecutory and underlies problems with insomnia.
Defense Mechanisms IV: “Thinking” Read More »
Like all defense mechanisms, denial has its normal and constructive uses: by denying the awareness of unavoidable death, for instance, we’re able to continue with our daily lives.
Defense Mechanisms II: Denial Read More »
The healing of shame does not mean “triumphing” over it, but rather learning to bear that shame and not respond defensively to it, thereby earning feelings of pride and self-respect.
Pride and the Healing of Shame Read More »
The experience of helplessness in the face of trauma plays a central role in post traumatic stress disorder and the development of ptsd symptoms, but also has an impact on the genesis of other psychological disorders and maladaptive character traits.
The Role of Helplessness in PTSD Symptoms and Other Disorders Read More »