The Role of Psychoanalytic Mechanisms of Defense; What They Are and How They Work

Aug 7, 2024

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.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Confronting Denial and Privilege

02:24 • 14min

Exploring Strategic Racism and Denial: The Pain of Acceptance

16:24 • 6min

Confronting Guilt and Denial

22:01 • 10min

Understanding Psychoanalytic Defense Mechanisms

31:34 • 56sec

Examining Race, Perception, and Denial in Society

32:30 • 7min

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).

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