How to break down defense mechanisms

Question

I am trying to find ways to break down defense mechanisms that someone builds up for so long.

Answer 1

Hi Diana. I find this a difficult question to answer without knowing more context. The answer might also change depending on someone's perspective (defense mechanisms generally fall under Freudian and Psychoanalytic theory). Behavior is purposeful which means that their defenses are there not just for protection but also to meet some need. Like you said, they build up for a long time usually because they work in the situation they developed but they become less helpful when the situation is different (which sounds like might be the case from your question). Helping the person understand where the mechanisms came from can be a good starting point for change but it often isn't enough. What might be most helpful is to respond to them in a way that they don't feel the need to have those walls up. By repeatedly giving them a different experience they learn that they can be accepted for who they are without the need for the outdated behaviors.