The Psychology of it All: Avoidance and Repression

The psychology of it all helps people become aware of the self-sabotaging behaviors we all do from time to time. This episode explains the defense mechanisms of avoidance and repression. There is a psychotherapy DIY 5 step process to help you avoid the couch and stop avoidance coping. Step 1 Recognize it does not work Step 2 Answer the question: What have you been trying to avoid? What is making you feel awkward? What is making you anxious? What thought is convincing you that you are not good enough? Step 3 Recognize the cost of avoidance coping. How much has this self-sabotaging behavior cost you in time, money, and relationships? Step 4 Increase your distress tolerance, and "embrace the suck". Step 5 Anticipate potential anxiety-provoking behaviors so that you are not caught off guard when they occur. Pay attention to your physical signs and symptoms that alert you of anxiety, and then psychologically soothe yourself by slowing your breathing, and heart rate and then your thoughts. Learn to act deliberately so that you are not a perpetual victim of your negative thoughts and feelings.