The Role of Psychoanalytic Mechanisms of Defense; What They Are and How They Work
Aug 7, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Filipe Copeland, a psychoanalyst known for his work on defense mechanisms, discusses the complexities of denial in the context of painful truths. He introduces two types of denial: Strategic Denial, which involves conscious avoidance, and Psychological Denial, an unconscious response. The conversation touches on how these mechanisms relate to racism and privilege, urging listeners to confront uncomfortable realities. The dialogue emphasizes transforming guilt into positive community actions, highlighting the relevance of psychoanalytic thinking in understanding societal issues.
The podcast highlights the role of denial as a defense mechanism that hinders honest discussions about race and privilege.
Differentiating between strategic denial and psychological denial underscores the complexity of acknowledging and addressing racial biases in society.
Deep dives
Mealtime Inspiration and Savings
Shopping at Bakers offers over 30,000 food choices to inspire meal ideas for home cooks. Shoppers can benefit from everyday low prices and significant savings through digital coupons that can provide over $600 weekly. Additionally, customers can also save on fuel costs with the program that offers discounts at the pump, making Bakers a convenient one-stop destination for food and fuel savings. The emphasis on fresh and quality products at affordable prices enhances the overall shopping experience for every customer.
Understanding Racism Through Psychoanalysis
The conversation emphasizes that psychoanalytic tools can shed light on the dynamics of racism in America. It discusses how many individuals, particularly white people, may not accept their inherent privilege due to fear or a lack of awareness regarding the advantages afforded to them. The podcast delves into the mechanisms of defense, highlighting denial as a significant factor that prevents honest conversations about racial issues and privilege. By understanding these defenses, individuals are encouraged to confront uncomfortable truths about their identities and societal roles, fostering deeper awareness and collective movement toward unity.
Denial and Responsibility in Racial Dynamics
The discussion differentiates between strategic denial and psychological denial concerning racial issues, where strategic denial minimizes the problem while psychological denial indicates a lack of awareness of one’s biases. Examples are provided to illustrate how individuals often react dismissively to racial issues, contributing to a cycle of avoidance that further complicates the conversation around racism. The notion of neglect is introduced, emphasizing that knowing about racism and failing to act is equally detrimental. This calls for a sense of accountability among individuals to acknowledge and confront their biases, thereby contributing positively to community cohesion.
Using one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s major ideas as a springboard for their discussion, “The truth will set you free,” the host and co-host discussed psychoanalytic mechanism of defense starting with denial which can emerge when a topic is too painful or difficult to face. A productive dialogue followed that focused on Dr. Filipe Copeland’s description of two different types of denial, Strategic Denial and Psychological Denial as described in “The American Psychoanalyst” (TAP) in an interview with Dr. Austin Ratner, editor-in-chief of the magazine. Amanual Elias’s paper, “Racism as Neglect and Denial” was also mentioned. Stay tuned for more discussions about the ways in which psychoanalytic thinking can help to explain racism in America.
Dr. Karyne E. Messina is a psychologist and child, adolescent and adult psychoanalyst. In addition to maintaining a full-time private practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland, she is on the medical staff of Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland which is part of Johns Hopkins Medicine. She is a podcast host for the New Books Network and chair of the Department of Psychoanalytic Education’s (DPE) Scholarship and Writing section which is part of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA). She is a member of the AI Council of APsA (CAI). She has also written and edited seven books. Her topics focus on applying psychoanalytic ideas to real-world issues we all face in our complex world.
Dr. Felecia Powell-Williams is a child and adolescent supervising psychoanalyst at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies in Houston, Texas, where she also holds the position of President of Board of Directors. Dr. Felecia Powell-Williams is also a faculty member in the Child and Adult Training Programs. In addition, she provides clinical supervision for the State of Texas licensing board, as well as supervision as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy. She is also the chair of the Department of Psychoanalytic Education’s (DPE) Diversity section which is part of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA).