Isolation of affect
Affect isolation is a defense mechanism that involves separating the emotional charge from a thought, memory, or description of an event.
Definition
The person may talk about a difficult event calmly, technically, or without any visible contact with emotion. Such a mechanism may temporarily protect against overload, but if it becomes the only way to cope, it may make it difficult to integrate experiences and relationships. This is not a diagnosis in itself, but a description of a method of psychological protection.
Key ideas
Missing key ideas.
Practice and life
When describing a difficult situation, add one question: "What could I feel in my body then?" Don't force emotions, just check if there is access to even a small signal.
Common misunderstanding
Questions for self-reflection
No questions for self-reflection.
Sources
No sources.