Have you ever wondered why you react a certain way in stressful situations? Or why sometimes you seem to push uncomfortable thoughts out of your mind? These responses are often the result of defense mechanisms.

Defense mechanisms are subconscious strategies that our mind uses to protect us from anxiety, uncomfortable thoughts, or feelings. They shape the way we interact with the world and can significantly influence our behavior and relationships.

In this episode, we'll talk through some of the most common defense mechanisms, such as denial, repression, projection, and rationalization. We'll explore how these mechanisms manifest in our daily lives, their origins, and the role they play in our psychological well-being.

Whether you're a psychology enthusiast, a student, or someone seeking to understand themselves better, this episode will provide valuable insights into the complex machinery of the human psyche.

Questions? If you have a question, you would like Joseph and Paula to answer during an episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lifelivedbetter.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email them directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Info@lifelivedbetter.net ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lifelivedbetter.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Just a reminder - anything shared by the pair during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice and is solely the opinion of the individual and does not represent their employers or profession. We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us. And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.

Resources used to develop this episode:

CBT Techniques: 25 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Worksheets (positivepsychology.com)

Defense Mechanisms in Psychology Explained (+ Examples) (positivepsychology.com)

Defense Mechanisms: Definition, Types, Examples, Solutions (verywellmind.com)

What Is... Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Coping - Mental Health @ Home (mentalhealthathome.org)