self-expression

[georgia rigg]

Sunday afternoon in Anacortes, WA.  Hi Adam, I just
sent an e-mail to Erica, suggesting that she look at
David Goleman's book, Social Intelligence.  Chapter 8
of that book, "The Dark Triad", explores the
motivation of personality types lacking in empathy,
and impaired attachment wise.  Since attachment is
such a crucial issue in acceptance of limits and
rules, I think that Erica's question is very germane
to those of us who work in open groups.  I am
interested in the comments this topic will
generate--am I the only person who got burned a time
or two by including someone who fits the psychopath
label in a group?  Warmly, Georgia Rigg
--- Adam Blatner <adam at blatner.com> wrote:

> Dear Erica and All,
>        Happy Summer. About self-expression,
>    I have a section on this topic in Foundations of
> Psychodrama.
>      Essentially, the mind is pervaded by subtle
> maneuvers (not quite voices, though they 
> can be helped to be made more explicit using the
> multiple parts of self technique) that 
> bury, disqualify, excuse, rationalize,
> compartmentalize in many ways what is uncomfortable 
> to face clearly. As a result, many people are out of
> touch with their more authentic 
> feelings and attitudes. Saying these so that they
> are heard by others anchors or fixes 
> them in consensual reality and makes these thoughts
> easier then to reflect on consciously. 
> >From this context they can be subjected also to
> re-evaluation in light of higher and more 
> mature perspectives and values.
>       Further comments interspersed below:
> From: "Erica Hollander" <ericahollander at comcast.net>
>  July 29, 2007 : what you all think 
> makes self expression therapeutic. Plainly, it is
> not always so:  the self expressions of 
> sociopaths can be dangerous and  are often not
> welcomed by others or good for anything 
> observable for the doers.
>        AB: The problem with almost any quality or
> term is that in the realm of mind and 
> social life there are those who can turn a given
> word into folly or wickedness. One should 
> not rely on not only any aspect of the cultural
> conserve, but also there are no words, 
> values, noble-sounding labels or formulas that
> cannot be sullied. This is why spontaneity 
> invites an exercise of discrimination in the moment.
>       I'd be interested in a more specific example
> of how a "sociopath" distorts the norm 
> of "self-expression" so that it is destructive. That
> could help us understand your point.
> 
>    EH  Yet, in general,  we foster self expression
> in psychodrama and find it useful and 
> helpful.  What is it that makes that so?  (AB: see
> above, but with qualifications, as 
> noted).
>    EH  My late husband used to  like to say that
> "everyone likes to feel seen, heard 
> acknowledged and  respected for who and what they
> are."  I agree that that seems to be the 
> case but I am not sure just why, or when self
> expression crosses
> over to potentially dangerous or destructive action.
>        AB: Well, I'm also reminded of the problem
> with rules. Generally, one can be more 
> flexible with relatively mature adults who have
> demonstrated their willingness to follow 
> almost all the rules. Then exceptions can be made.
> On the other hand, with kids aged 9 - 
> 16, especially, one should on the whole be more
> firm, because part of their maturation is 
> an unconscious probing as to what they can get away
> with.
>        If you're dealing with people who are what
> you call more sociopathic, or of the 
> criminal or offender class, one should adapt the
> nature of the work accordingly.
> 
>      Moreover, I am not sure that we know much about
> what the brain activity is that sets 
> this apart from other actions.  Any thoughts on
> these issues will be welcome.  Thanks 
> Erica Hollander
>            Adam: Erica and others, what did you
> think of my explanation and what else 
> needs to be said?
> 
> Warmly, Adam 
> 
> 
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