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 psychoanalysis expert, delves into the intricate mechanisms of defense, particularly the two types of denial: Strategic and Psychological. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s idea that 'the truth will set you free,' the discussion explores how denial emerges in confronting painful truths, especially in the context of racism. The dialogue also emphasizes guilt as a catalyst for personal accountability and meaningful change, while highlighting the vital role of community in combating social isolation and neglect.
The podcast highlights the significance of strategic and psychological denial in hindering honest discussions about racial biases and privileges.
It emphasizes the importance of community support in addressing racism, encouraging open dialogues that promote personal and collective accountability.
Deep dives
Understanding Racism through Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of racism in America. The discussion emphasizes the significance of exploring mechanisms of defense that contribute to individuals' inability to confront their own biases and privileges. It highlights that recognizing one's privilege, particularly among white individuals, is crucial in understanding systemic racism and challenges the notion that one is not complicit in it. By examining the works of historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the conversation underscores the necessity of honesty and acknowledgment of societal inequalities.
Defensive Mechanisms and Denial
The podcast elaborates on various forms of denial that individuals exhibit concerning their racial attitudes and societal privilege. It distinguishes between strategic denial, where people downplay or minimize racism, and psychological denial, which involves an unconscious identification with a group that perpetuates harmful beliefs. By presenting examples of common dismissive responses to racism, such as labeling criticisms as 'overreactions,' the conversation underscores the deep-rooted nature of these defensive mechanisms. Understanding these forms of denial is essential for fostering honest discussions about race and encouraging accountability.
The Role of Community in Addressing Racism
The importance of community in combating racism is a central theme in the discussion. It recognizes that individuals often hesitate to confront issues of race due to a fear of isolation or a desire to conform to group norms. The conversation encourages listeners to seek out supportive communities that allow for open discussions about privilege and bias, promoting personal growth and collective action. By addressing neglect and the responsibility to act against racism, the dialogue advocates for proactive engagement in creating a more equitable society.
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).