Difference Between Depressive And Masochistic Therapy

Video: Difference Between Depressive And Masochistic Therapy

Video: Difference Between Depressive And Masochistic Therapy
Video: What is Emotional Masochism? 2024, April
Difference Between Depressive And Masochistic Therapy
Difference Between Depressive And Masochistic Therapy
Anonim

Quite often, people have a combination of depressive and masochistic traits. In this case, it is called the depressive-masochistic personality type. Most people with this personality type, however, tend to be more inclined towards one dynamic or the other. Given that psychotherapy employs completely different approaches and strategies for depressed and masochistic individuals, it is necessary to distinguish between each type.

It is important for a depressed personality type to understand that the therapist does not reject and condemn, does not quit at the moment of aggravation of suffering. Parents rejected such a person throughout his life, supported his depression in every possible way, or, conversely, suppressed his feelings. In order to satisfy the mental need of the client, the therapist must become better for the person than the parents, complete his inner world, accept the person's suffering and be compassionate in return.

The masochistic type of personality needs to learn that warmth and acceptance can be caused by the protection of their interests, and not helpless suffering. In this case, a person was loved only when he was suffering. That is why he does not believe that such an attitude can be in anger, and when everything is fine in his life. The therapist's task is not to support the client in suffering, not to get involved in experiences when a person takes a sacrificial position.

Thus, if for a depressive personality type to conduct therapeutic sessions at a level with a masochistic one, this can only aggravate the state of depression (a person will feel guilty of everything and abandoned), in some situations even lead to suicide (with a sufficiently long exposure). Conversely, dealing with a masochistic person as a depressive person can enhance self-destructive behavior.

How is therapy carried out in this case?

The therapist must analyze and evaluate every moment in time. Which of the dynamics is the client showing more - depressive or masochistic? Only then will the therapist's tone of intervention match the client's primary defense process.

Such understanding comes only with experience. In any case, it is necessary to try different approaches and evaluate the corresponding impact on the client, while maintaining sensitivity throughout the session. One tactic - there are improvements, we try another, third.

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