Most individuals, when commencing therapy, have the intention of sharing vital information, understanding that honesty about their circumstances is critical to receiving help. However, despite their intentions to be transparent, individuals innately possess defense mechanisms that protect them from stressful scenarios or uncomfortable emotions such as distress or embarrassment. Initially recognized by Sigmund Freud, defense mechanisms (also referred to as ego defense mechanisms) are subconscious actions believed to alleviate anxiety and protect the mind from distressing emotions. As a mental health professional employing personality psychology, it is critical to identify these defense mechanisms, such as evasion or refusal, and figure out how best to address them to uncover the root cause. For those seeking therapy , recognizing and comprehending these defense mechanisms can also be beneficial. These forms of coping strategies can be beneficial if they are developed and appropriately used. Nevertheless, underdeveloped coping techniques can result in negative outcomes like symptoms of depression or challenges in establishing and preserving good relationships with loved ones and friends. Below are a few of the widely encountered defense mechanisms in therapeutic sessions. Denial Denial serves as a common defense mechanism, easy to notice. In this state, people tend to disregard obvious and often harsh realities of their situation, instead opting to find evidence suggesting the contrary. As a case in point, a person might refer to a potentially depressed individual's excellent academic achievements or professional success as a way of disproving their mental state. According to psychologists, such self-deception typically originates from a strong urge to reject the truth. As a way to cope, people employ this defensive strategy to avoid dealing with gut-wrenching, sorrowful, or scary situations that reality presents. Displacement Displacement refers to a situation where an individual channels their negative feelings away from the actual target to a less hazardous one. To illustrate, an employee might be frustrated with their employer but might hesitate to express this at their workplace due to the fear of termination. Consequently, they might vent out their frustrations on their loved ones at home. So, it's essential for therapists to continually assess the genuine emotions of their clients. Repression The concept of repression is widely recognized in the field of therapy, and addressing it can be daunting. This phenomenon happens when a person experiences a traumatic event that's too excruciating to recall. Nevertheless, the mental effort required to keep these vital suppressed memories concealed can wear thin, allowing flashes of these occurrences to seep through, perhaps in dreams, until they are recalled and consequently dealt with. Rationalization Rationalization happens when an individual seeks to justify an uncomfortable situation which could potentially harm their image or social acceptance. An example could be a therapy patient stating that they did not land a job they sought, then attempting to dismiss it by affirming they did not really want the job. Similarly, a person may confess to shoplifting a minor item, but justify it by arguing that the store's inflated pricing essentially robs them too. Intellectualization Intellectualization shares some similarities with rationalization, but it tends to be a more extreme form of mental avoidance. With intellectualization, a person evades their emotional responses by overanalyzing a situation logically, concentrating on unrelated aspects. For instance, a person who has recently been widowed may occupy their thoughts with the expenses and arrangement complexities of a funeral, thereby sidestepping the emotional pain of mourning their lost partner. Such logical preoccupations serve as a diversion from the actual issue that needs to be addressed. Projection Projection is the process of attributing qualities, characteristics, or behaviors that you are unwilling to recognize or acknowledge as your own, to another person. Although it's widely associated with negative attributes like greed or heartlessness, projection can also involve positive qualities like empathy, especially if one is uncomfortable recognizing these traits in themselves. In a therapy setting, for example, if a client is expressing concerns about their spouse being unfaithful, the therapist might explore whether the client themselves is wrestling with temptation. Projection is akin to deflection, as both are mechanisms for shifting negative attention away from oneself and onto others. However, while deflection is often a conscious action, projection typically occurs without the individual's awareness. Sublimation Sublimation happens when an individual channels their unsuitable emotions or unsettling desires or thoughts towards an activity that is more acceptable in society. For instance, a person battling with sexual addiction might choose to exercise consistently to evade these problems. Sublimation psychology can be advantageous as it encourages positive behavior. Nevertheless, it might prove detrimental as it leaves the root problem unaddressed. Compensation Individuals with low self-esteem or those feeling unsuccessful in several life aspects might resort to compensation to make up for these inadequacies. An instance of this might be someone who struggles to maintain consistent employment going to extra lengths to assist others in their community. However, this psychological defense can be detrimental if taken to the extreme, with the individual centering their whole self-perception on a single aspect of their life. Reaction formation Reaction formation is a psychological defense mechanism, characterized by responses that starkly contrast natural emotions. It embodies the paradox of psychological shielding, where a person reacts in a contrary manner to their inherent feelings. For example, an individual might be cognizant of their own anger and frustration, but they may feel obligated to suppress these negative emotions, leading them to exhibit excessive positivity. Regression Regression is the phenomenon of an individual reverting to an earlier developmental stage when faced with a stressful or threatening situation. This behavior is commonly observable in children. For instance, a traumatic event could result in a child emotionally reverting back to the oral phase, evident by a renewed habit of thumb sucking. Nevertheless, regression is not exclusive to children. Adults also might return to previous developmental stages, often manifested by shunning activities they fancy, excessive chewing on items like pens, overeating, or seeking comfort from a cherished stuffed toy. This article does not cover all psychological defense strategies; more are yet to be discovered through further study. One such defense strategy that was not previously mentioned is the conversion defense mechanism, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder. This particular mechanism transforms suppressed emotions into physical symptoms of illness. Additional Assistance: Are you able to recognize any of these various defense mechanisms operating in your personal experiences? Are you grappling with your own emotional issues that you're attempting to shield using defense mechanisms? If this resonates, therapy is a viable solution. Trained and licensed therapists can aid you in pinpointing and dismantling less developed defense mechanisms using proven psychological techniques. There are numerous avenues to explore when seeking a therapist, including online therapy which is a convenient and successful choice. Advantages of Online Therapy: Online therapy offers numerous advantages. If you're experiencing anxiety or depression, attending face-to-face appointments can pose challenges. Online counseling eliminates concerns about travel or waiting times. Upon registration, you're promptly connected with an accessible therapist prepared to assist you promptly. Additionally, you have the flexibility to engage in sessions via online chat, email, text, phone, or video chat, all from the convenience of your own home. Evidence indicates the efficacy of online therapy as well. A comprehensive analysis of 14 research studies revealed that online cognitive behavioral therapy resulted in a 50% enhancement in depressive and various anxiety disorder symptoms. It also notably alleviated the effects of persistent fatigue and stress. To gain deeper insights into whether online therapy aligns with your needs, don't hesitate to contact a ReachLink therapist and initiate the process. What it’s all about…  Defense mechanisms are automatic ways the mind handles anxiety from external events. In therapy, addressing these mechanisms is crucial to uncover underlying issues. This helps us manage daily thoughts and emotions in constructive and socially appropriate manners.