Hello! Today we will talk about a very interesting theme in psychoanalysis: negative therapeutic reaction. You may have heard of it, but may not know exactly what it is or how it works. Don’t worry, I will explain everything clearly and accessible.
What is negative therapeutic reaction?
Negative therapeutic reaction is a psychological phenomenon that occurs during therapy when the patient begins to feel worse rather than better. This may seem contrary, but it is more common than you think. Imagine that you are trying to overcome a phobia or anxiety, and instead of feeling more confident, you begin to feel more anxious or insecure.
This can happen for several reasons, such as lack of motivation, treatment resistance or even therapy itself is not being effective. But it is important to remember that negative therapeutic reaction is not a patient or therapist failure, but a challenge that needs to be overcome.
Causes of negative therapeutic reaction
There are several causes for negative therapeutic reaction. One is the resistance to treatment. The patient may be reluctant to change his behavioral patterns or face his fears and anxieties. Another common cause is the lack of motivation when the patient is not committed to making the necessary changes to improve.
In addition, therapy itself can be a contributing factor. If the therapist is not using the right techniques or is not creating a safe and welcoming environment, the patient may feel uncomfortable or treatment resistant.
Management of negative therapeutic reaction
So how to deal with negative therapeutic reaction? Firstly, it is essential that the therapist is aware of the phenomenon and learn how to identify it. If the patient is showing signs of negative therapeutic reaction, the therapist should address the theme in a sensitive and empathic way.
An effective strategy is “positive reformulation”. This means that the therapist helps the patient see the progress he is doing, even if they are small. In addition, the therapist can use techniques such as “gradual exposure” to help the patient face their fears and anxieties safer.
Consequences of negative therapeutic reaction
If the negative therapeutic reaction is not treated, it can lead to negative consequences for the patient. One is the loss of motivation and the withdrawal of treatment. In addition, negative therapeutic reaction may worsen the patient’s symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of anxiety and depression.
However, if the negative therapeutic reaction is treated effectively, the patient can learn to deal with their fears and anxieties more healthily. This can lead to a significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life and increased self -esteem and confidence.
In short, negative therapeutic reaction is a common challenge inpsychoanalysis, but with the right strategies, it is possible to overcome it. If you are going through something similar, do not hesitate to seek help from a qualified professional.
