Noticing Resistance

"The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of resistance to the present moment," a quote by Eckhart Tolle.

In psychology, particularly in the realm of human emotions and therapy, resistance is explained as a push-back, a defense mechanism of the ego.

Noted in early psychoanalysis, Freud understood that clients can avoid topics such as past trauma or hidden distress—issues that needed to be addressed.

Resistance can serve as a protection; to address the issues is being perceived as too painful.

Acknowledging resistance and repression allows for the unveiling of hidden distress, which, with appropriate support, enables emotional healing.

Contemporary psychology, within the context of daily life and therapeutic scenarios, identifies emotional states and behaviours that may signal resistance:

- Memory lapses, forgetfulness, confusion

- Anger

- Changes in memory

- Recalling facts without emotional engagement

- Self-sabotaging behaviours

- Criticism, mistrust

- Defensiveness, feeling threatened

- Boredom, disconnection

Resistance can be situational; depending on the state of the individual, the specific situation and interaction with others.

In therapy resistance can express itself with clients missing appointments, a general sense of doubt, disengagement or hopelessness.

A skilled practitioner will allow the resistance to be acknowledged within the therapeutic process and be seen as an opportunity to understand the client better.