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Defense mechanisms are our unconscious, learned self defense systems which we have installed as a way of preventing us from feeling feelings and emotions.

Conversion Reaction - turning an uncomfortable or unacceptable emotion or feeling into a physical symptom i.e. converting anxiety into asthma or a heart attack, shingles or a nervous breakdown, hyperventilation etc.

Denial - the person deals with the feeling by refusing to acknowledge that it exists i.e. lying to themselves and others. But it is usually obvious to others that the feeling is there.

Intellectualisation - is used when a person does not understand a situation and so they think the feelings away. It does not make sense for me to feel this way therefore I do not feel this way or, I can’t show that I do not understand so i’ll pretend to understand by talking about as many different perspectives other than what was said.

Introjection - blaming myself for others feelings or failures or turning my feelings towards others inwards. I can’t be angry with someone so I turn the anger inwards towards myself.

Displacement - misdirecting feelings towards another person or object. i.e. I am not able to direct my anger towards the taxi driver so I direct it towards my husband or wife.

Diversion - I am uncomfortable with the feeling in a situation so I direct the attention elsewhere. i.e changing the subject.

Projection - blaming others for feelings or failures or, because I feel this way, you must feel the same way and you must hurt too.

Rationalisation - Making illogical actions or intolerable feelings acceptable by use of reasons, explanations or justification.

Reaction formation - or overcompensation - reacting opposite to the way i’m feeling. I am lonely so i’ll be overly happy by clowning around or using humour or, I feel like a failure so I over achieve.

Repression - Similar to denial but more dangerous in that the feeling is rejected before it is experienced. It normally isn’t obvious to other people. It is well disguised but can be seen for instance when something hasn’t been done because it was forgotten. The person was afraid of the process or results.

Silence - A form of passive aggression. I feel uncomfortable so I become silent and punish you by withholding what i’m thinking or feeling.

Defense Mechanisms Worksheet

Evaluate yourself honestly. Read the previous list of defense mechanisms and list at least six which you use as well as the feelings you associate with when you use them.

1) What defense mechanisms am I displaying?

1. feelings

2. feelings

3. feelings

4. feelings

5. feelings

6. feelings

2) Identify beliefs corresponding to these defense mechanisms and then choose a new belief to replace it with. Use the belief changing methods discussed earlier in installing them into your heart.

1.

replacement belief

2.

replacement belief

3.

replacement belief

4.

replacement belief

5.

replacement belief

6.

replacement belief

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.