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The stress of self-realization

The stress of self-realization Alexandra Symonds For many years I have been interested in the paradox of the analytic pa- tient's tremendous fear of, anxiety about, and resistance to the emergence of his or her authentic self. Change is inevitable in the course of analysis, and with change there is always anxiety in varying degrees. However, anxiety can be so overwhelming that even if it occurs in the process of growth, the patient will not be able to sustain it and will do everything he or she can to prevent its occurrence. Often the analyst can recognize signs of growth to which the patient pays little attention. In order for us to be able to do this effectively and help the patient endure the necessary stress, we must have an understanding of the process of self-realization and recognize its value as a goal in analysis. Recently I have been working with many women in my practice who are making major external and intrapsychic changes as a result of the women's movement. In this group are some who are venturing into activities and hav- ing experiences which cause a great deal of stress in that they are required to move rapidly from a predominantly http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The American Journal of Psychoanalysis Springer Journals

The stress of self-realization

Symonds, Alexandra
The American Journal of Psychoanalysis , Volume 40 (4): 8 – Dec 1, 1980
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References (8)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
1980 Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis
ISSN
0002-9548
eISSN
1573-6741
DOI
10.1007/BF01253417
Publisher site
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Abstract

Alexandra Symonds For many years I have been interested in the paradox of the analytic pa- tient's tremendous fear of, anxiety about, and resistance to the emergence of his or her authentic self. Change is inevitable in the course of analysis, and with change there is always anxiety in varying degrees. However, anxiety can be so overwhelming that even if it occurs in the process of growth, the patient will not be able to sustain it and will do everything he or she can to prevent its occurrence. Often the analyst can recognize signs of growth to which the patient pays little attention. In order for us to be able to do this effectively and help the patient endure the necessary stress, we must have an understanding of the process of self-realization and recognize its value as a goal in analysis. Recently I have been working with many women in my practice who are making major external and intrapsychic changes as a result of the women's movement. In this group are some who are venturing into activities and hav- ing experiences which cause a great deal of stress in that they are required to move rapidly from a predominantly

Journal

The American Journal of Psychoanalysis – Springer Journals

Published: Dec 1, 1980

Keywords: Clinical Psychology; Psychotherapy; Psychoanalysis

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