The Role of Psychoanalytic Mechanisms of Defense; What They Are and How They Work
Aug 7, 2024
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Dr. Filipe Copeland, a psychoanalyst specializing in defense mechanisms, dives into the intricate world of denial. He discusses two types: Strategic Denial, where individuals sidestep uncomfortable truths, and Psychological Denial, which shields them from deeper pains. The conversation links these concepts to systemic racism, emphasizing personal responsibility in acknowledging biases. Insights from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spur reflections on how guilt can drive community action and the critical need for collective awareness to foster genuine connections.
The podcast underscores the necessity of recognizing white privilege to foster a genuine understanding of systemic racism and promote honest dialogue.
Denial, as a psychological defense mechanism, obstructs self-reflection and complicates the confrontation of personal and systemic racism.
Deep dives
Importance of Truth in Confronting Racism
The discussion emphasizes the critical role that honesty plays in addressing racism in America. A pivotal point raised is the fear many people have of confronting difficult truths, which can lead to deceit or denial regarding personal and systemic racism. The podcast highlights that acknowledging one's privilege, particularly white privilege, is essential for a genuine understanding of racial dynamics. Without this recognition of privilege, individuals risk perpetuating racism, either through active participation or passive neglect.
Denial and Its Mechanisms
The conversation delves into the concept of denial as a defense mechanism that contributes to the persistence of racism. Two types of denial are explored: strategic denial, which minimizes or dismisses the severity of racism, and psychological denial, where individuals remain unaware of their prejudices and the social influences shaping their views. The hosts discuss how common phrases used to downplay racism reflect a broader societal tendency to ignore racial issues, illustrating the challenges in achieving an honest dialogue about race. This denial creates a barrier to self-reflection and meaningful change, making it vital to unpack these mechanisms in order to confront racism effectively.
Community and Collective Responsibility
The podcast highlights the potential for community engagement as a response to the denial of racism, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in fostering change. Both hosts agree that while individual awareness is crucial, the strength of community lies in shared understanding and action against racism. They argue that avoiding discussions about race out of discomfort only perpetuates ignorance and divides. Therefore, creating spaces where people can openly discuss race and confront their biases is essential for building a more inclusive society and moving towards unity.
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).