Psychology

Dr. Abramovitch shared some very interesting details about the therapeutic world of psychology on a recent radio show.  It was interesting to learn that he sometimes shares the same level of anxiety with his patients, however this was not the most interesting point in the radio program.  During psychological traumas, like war or being the victim of an act of violence, one can voluntarily lose their individual identity and replace it with a group identity through recollective conflict (Mitchell, 2010).  In other words, it becomes easier to be part of a group than to have to face the internal pain, conflict, and emotion associated with the trauma thus ultimately losing the self.  It would seem to be a psychological defense mechanism of sorts in order to protect the conscious.

The female client seeing Dr. Abramovitch for therapy exhibits behavior conducive to two theories in abnormal psychology.  First, from her dream of seeing a baby in her parents arms and then watching the baby fall into the water, then swim to save itself is representative of the psychodynamic theory.  The psychodynamic theory suggests that anxiety is symptomatic of unresolved unconscious conflicts.  This is especially true since her relationship with her father is so strained.  Secondly, when this same woman spat at Dr. Abramovitch, her behavior is representative of the behavioral theory in that she demonstrated that her poorly learned conditioning would allow her to do such a repulsive and disrespectful thing out of ethnic hate.  The teacher who saw herself in a dream as both the terrorist and the rescuer is representative of the Social Conflict theory in that her social conflict comes from a learned behavior influenced by family, community, or culture.  Finally, the colleague of Dr. Abramovitch who planned to blow up a taxi driver is indicative of the Cognitive theory because his thoughts are based on the false assumption that killing people is okay.

Dr. Abramovitch made reference to death several times during the radio show.  Dr. Abramovitch stated, If you dont have a strong sense of self, then you can be drawn in by absolute evil, (2010).  This takes me back to high school and falling in with the wrong crowd for several months.  I began drinking and partying and did not care for much of anything.  My grades slipped terribly and I was in a constant power struggle with my parents.  Finally, I woke up and realized that the way I was living was not who I was.  I managed to save myself before it was too late.