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Christine Fulton's avatar

Thank you. You describing alexithymia as adaptive set off a light bulb for me and truly healed some part of me. It was precisely what I needed to hear. Every resistance, pain, and defense is adaptive. It may not be “healthy” or “for the most growth” but it exists for a reason and respecting that is a good place for me to start when looking at anything I want to change, whether that be in me, or in a dynamic I share with someone else. Thank you. I will listen to this again. Beautiful and inspiring. I could write more but I’m going to think a bit. Thank you.

Laura Beth Wenger's avatar

Christine, I'm so glad this resonated for you. I find it tremendously helpful (and de-pathologizing!) to recognize the positive and adaptive qualities of our survival strategies. One of the reasons I love Jung so much-- he saw all symptoms as the psyche's attempt to protect, heal and grow. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

Jane Clapp's avatar

So good!!

Laura Beth Wenger's avatar

Thank you, Jane! 🙌🏻