Posted by violette on June 6, 2010, at 1:02:30
In reply to Re: Brainstorming alternate treatment options, posted by lpslpslpslpslpslps on June 5, 2010, at 21:25:43
Intellectualization is a prominent defense mechanism used to avoid unpleasant or traumatic emotions from surfacing. By the way, this has been my primary defense strategy to avoid painful emotions for many years. Unfortunately, its a lot of wear and tear on your brain to repress emotions; and depending on your primary defenses and childhood attachment situation, this coping strategy leads to depression and anxiety.
Understanding theory is not analagous to the ability to apply it-whether it's evidence based or more qualitative--no matter how intelligent the interpretor. You never know if you will be one of the "outliers"--and neither do PDocs who seem to structure their treatment based on antecdotal experience (at least the experienced ones do). There are meds shown to be more effective for OCD or PTSD, for example, and clinical alogrithms based upon empirical evidence are never absolute (or even close, imo). Additionally, most studies are based on "DSM criteria"-yet, I've never met a therapist or psychiatrist who actually uses the DSM criteria for treatment; instead, its used for billing. That doesn't give much credibility to empirical evidence, imo.
Psychology is a very fragmented discipline. Emotions, the unconscious, and other non-tangibles are difficult to quantify. Psychotherapy is, and should remain an art, imo. After being in psychodynamic therapy myself, I could care less what any evidence shows. I've had one insight after another-all those "aha" moments provoke change and symptom improvement. I don't expect this to be the case for everyone...
Many of those with strong defense mechanisms, say-intellectualization, can benefit from psychodynamic therapy, which is about "feeling". It's amazing to experience processing those painful emotions after years of repression. Insight after insight enters your awareness, and you slowly, but securely, process the emotions. It has been amazing for me, and although it is a slow process, it has proved more effective than medications. I have actually felt chemical endorphins in my mind after sessions.
However, I believe some people are better off left in denial. Sudden awareness of repressed emotions of the strongly defended can do harm. But if you have good ego strength, and it sounds as if you do, feeling as opposed to rationalizing and intellectualizing may be a more appropriate strategy.
When my emotions surfaced, it was clear to me that medications were not the ultimate answer. I have degrees in both the arts and sciences, and have come to the conclusion I do not give a f*ck what the evidence reveals. I am finding my truth-and its through the application of art by my psychtherpist, not science. It manifests with the help of an experienced, honest, and empathetic therapist who understands, interprets, listens...and promotes insights throughout the week. I feel physical relief of tension, whether it be grief or anger, after sessions.
Think about what you are doing....and what your motivations are. I've been there--for way too long. It has wasted my time, not to mention my life quality.
poster:violette
thread:950034
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100604/msgs/950060.html