subject: SELF-IMAGE: WHO AM I? [print this page] SELF-IMAGE: WHO AM I? SELF-IMAGE: WHO AM I?
SELF-IMAGE: WHO AM I?
In the first week of treatment, the behavior patterns thatpeople use to protect themselves are identified. In thesecond week they are shaken loose and, if the patient issecure enough, discarded. In the absence of these protective behaviors, often developed early in life, patients feeltemporarily helpless, unshielded, and vulnerable.
Visit the Web's Most Respected Diet Information Site!
No one is likely to take such a risk except in the safeenvironment a treatment center or individual or grouptherapy offers. If you were unable to identify any of your defense mechanisms last week, you are a likely candidatefor therapy. Today 1 will reiterate those defenses, plus afew more, as they apply to the three patients, Jean, Elaine,and Tony, in their progress so far. In this way, you may beable to take another look at what it is you're doing that'skeeping you stuck. This week the three patients will beginto identify the behavior patterns they are using. Otherpeople, whom they are coming to trust, will point outthose behaviors and convince them that what they think is protecting them is actually hindering their development.
Like most people, you may find it easier to identifythese characteristics in others than see them in your selves. As you read, whatever evokes emotions, especially strong feelings of negativity, is the clue to look foryour own participation in these behavior patterns. Self-discovery is difficult, for defense mechanisms become asfamiliar and cherished as old shoes. 1 want you to look for the nail in those shoes, the pain which we ignore or do nottend to. That pain may seem to be coming from somewhere elseyour job, disappointing relationships, badluck, fatebut willingness to search for the real source will be the only way to stop the hurting.
Under stress Jean, the bulimic, acts aggressively,although it is difficult for her to see her behavior asanything other than defensive. In group interactions her behavior patterns are becoming clear to others if not toherself.
Visit the Web's Most Respected Diet Information Site!
