Denial
The way the mind rejects a fact it can't take in right now.
How it shows up
With a diagnosis, a loss, addiction in the family. Denial buys time until enough strength is available. So there is no point demolishing it from outside — a person lets it go when they can.
What we do with it in therapy
I don’t argue. We build support, because denial withdraws only once the truth is bearable. Force only makes it close more tightly.
See also
Assertiveness
A way of expressing yourself that takes account of your needs and the other person's dignity at once.
Intrusive thoughts
Sudden, unwanted thoughts that often stand in complete contradiction to the values of the person having them.
Eating disorders
Difficulties in which food and the body become the main way of regulating emotion and control.
