Defenses

Defenses, or defense mechanisms, are unconscious forms of protection against overwhelm and anxiety. As we grow, each of us develops a set of defensive strategies that the psyche uses to adapt to and survive experiences of pain, fear, and conflict. These often correspond to the type(s) of overwhelm we experienced in our childhood environment.

As adults, the more rigid our defensive system, the harder it can be to respond to life in a way we want. It can even be challenging to notice what has become so natural or unconscious to us. A trusted therapist can help us navigate the process of understanding our own defensive structure and the underlying origins. Gaining appreciation for them can lead to greater flexibility and creativity in coping with the painful realities of life.