Psychological resistance
Psychological resistance is a concept in psychology that refers to an individual's opposition to the process of psychotherapy or to the recognition and understanding of unconscious material. It is a defense mechanism that can manifest in various ways, such as denial, projection, rationalization, and repression.
Definition[edit | edit source]
Psychological resistance is defined as the unconscious defense against change that manifests as opposing or avoiding the therapeutic process. It is a natural response to the discomfort that comes with facing and dealing with unresolved issues and conflicts.
Types of Resistance[edit | edit source]
There are several types of psychological resistance, including:
- Denial: This is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept reality or facts. They block external events and circumstances from their mind so that they don’t have to deal with the emotional impact.
- Projection: This is a defense mechanism where a person attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives to another person.
- Rationalization: This is a defense mechanism where a person tries to justify their behaviors or feelings in a seemingly rational or logical manner to avoid the true reasons for their behavior.
- Repression: This is a defense mechanism where a person unconsciously pushes unwanted thoughts, feelings, and memories into the unconscious mind.
Role in Psychotherapy[edit | edit source]
In psychotherapy, understanding and working through resistance is a key part of the therapeutic process. Therapists often use techniques such as reflection, interpretation, and confrontation to help clients recognize and overcome their resistance.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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