One perspective on mental and relational functioning involves understanding the role of psychological defenses. Since early childhood, each of us has negotiated the challenges of existing in an often contentious and unsatisfying world by resorting to defensive processes which, over time, may become patterned tendencies. If, for example, a child loses access to a parent due to death or divorce, an adaptive mechanism may be activated to cope with this stressor and the underlying narratives about why it occurred in the first place. One child may seek to rebel against or withdraw from all future authority figures (instead of loving and losing them). Another child may intensively seek to ingratiate him- or herself with the remaining parent, an effort designed to reduce the chances of being abandoned again because the child believes he or she will be viewed positively. Theorists and researchers have conceptualized numerous taxonomies of psychological defenses with no clear consensus. There is agreement, however, that while the defenses we employ are often successful in dealing with the problems of our past, they are often damaging to our contemporary relationships. In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, May 21, 2022 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will explore the impact of psychological defenses on our relationships. A podcast episode on defensive styles by relationship expert Paulette Sherman will be our central focus. We will also consider the Fatherly article “4 Defense Mechanisms That Can Hurt Your Relationships,” therapist Mirel Goldstein’s discussion of ways we seek to obstruct closeness, and a comprehensive review of the “self-sabotaging” and “self-limiting” components of our defenses.

* Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com no later than Thursday, May 19, 2022. The fee is $25.00 (payable before entering the virtual meeting) and informed consent for participation in this telehealth event must be completed prior to the seminar. Please note that the Relationship Group Seminar is psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and does not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.