Leveraging psychological supports for change
08.06.2023
“Give me a place to stand, and a lever long enough, and I will move the world,” Archimedes famously declared, highlighting the transformative power of the right supports. This metaphor is profoundly relevant to psychology, where psychological supports form the bedrock for meaningful change. These supports provide the foundation for actions that bring about transformation, guiding us from intention to decision-making in the “here and now.”
But what exactly are these supports, and how do they empower change? To answer this, we must first address the barriers that obstruct our ability to fully engage with the present moment. Resistance—an inherent part of the change process—is central to this discussion. Understanding and working with resistance is crucial in therapeutic practices, as it often serves as both a hindrance and a signal for unmet needs.
Resistance: The Root of Stagnation and Growth
Resistance, as conceptualized by various therapeutic approaches, often manifests as a retreat into the past or an over-focus on future anxieties or aspirations. Fritz Perls, the father of Gestalt therapy, categorized this as “historical thinking” (fixation on the past) and “wishful thinking” (preoccupation with the future). When we face moments of wanting to change, resistance can manifest as:
- Dwelling on the past: Blaming past traumas or experiences for our current inability to act.
- Fixating on future goals: Creating an overwhelming gap between where we are and where we want to be.
The classical psychoanalytic approach interprets resistance as a defense mechanism—an unconscious reaction to protect the psyche. It often appears as the conflict between knowing what needs to be done and feeling incapable of doing it: “I know what I should do, but I just can’t.” While this exploration of resistance’s origins can be valuable, it doesn’t directly facilitate change in the present.
The Present Moment as a Catalyst for Change
The essence of change lies not in altering the past or the future but in engaging with the present. The sensations, emotions, and intentions we experience in the “here and now” provide the energy needed for spontaneous action and decision-making. However, resistance often blocks this energy, creating discomfort and anxiety. This anxiety signals an interruption in our natural processes of arousal and engagement.
Perls identified different types of resistance experiences, each with its own psychological implications:
- Oral Resistance: Symbolized by disgust or an inability to “digest” mental experiences. It may manifest as a loss of appetite or esophageal spasms.
- Dental Resistance: Resistance to confronting challenges, akin to refusing to “chew” on life’s difficulties. This can lead to passivity or dependence on others.
- Anal Resistance: A reluctance to let go of emotions or experiences, often accompanied by shame, guilt, or physical tension, like difficulty exhaling during anxiety.
- Genital Resistance: Avoidance of physical or emotional arousal, disconnecting from life’s vitality.
Each form of resistance reflects unmet needs or unresolved conflicts that can hinder our ability to act.
The Pitfalls of a Rational Approach to Change
A common-sense approach to change often falls short. It frames resistance as a problem to be overcome through willpower: “I know what needs to change, so why can’t I just do it?” This mindset can lead to self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy. Resistance, however, is not a flaw—it is a signal. Hidden within resistance are important, unmet needs that require acknowledgment.
Attacking resistance with sheer determination is counterproductive. Instead, it’s essential to understand and integrate the deeper needs behind resistance. This is where the Paradoxical Theory of Change by Arnold Beisser offers profound insights.
The Paradoxical Theory of Change: Acceptance as the Path to Transformation
Beisser’s theory posits that change occurs not through force or striving but through acceptance. “Change happens when a person becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not.” In this view, resistance is not an enemy but a life-giving part of the self. By accepting both the resistance and the needs it reflects, we create the foundation for authentic transformation.
Gestalt therapy embraces this principle, rejecting the role of the therapist as a “changer.” Instead, the therapist helps individuals connect with their present reality—no matter how uncomfortable or imperfect it may seem. This approach fosters self-awareness and acceptance, allowing individuals to harness their vulnerability as a source of strength and growth.
Embracing Vulnerability: The Gateway to Growth
Marcel Proust eloquently stated, “To heal suffering, it is necessary to fully experience it.” Gestalt therapy aligns with this perspective, encouraging individuals to face uncomfortable truths about themselves. By embracing our limitations and acknowledging our shadow sides, we create the space to experience genuine vulnerability—a prerequisite for growth.
Through this process, resistance transforms from a barrier into a support system. The energy once used to block change is redirected toward self-awareness and spontaneous action, rooted firmly in the present moment.
Conclusion: Standing on Solid Ground for Change
Psychological supports, much like Archimedes’ lever, provide the stability needed to initiate change. By understanding resistance and working with it rather than against it, we can uncover the deeper needs that drive us. The journey toward change begins in the “here and now,” where self-acceptance and present awareness create the conditions for authentic transformation.
In the words of Gestalt therapy, true change arises not from striving to be someone we are not but from fully embracing who we are today. By cultivating this grounded presence, we can move toward a future shaped by intentional and meaningful action.