Good day, host.
The following constitutes a continuation of the subject matter addressed yesterday. The topic under discussion is Adler's denial of the existence of trauma, and the objective is to ascertain whether this denial is beneficial in terms of facilitating the attainment of freedom.
[4] Freedom
In a previous statement, I posited that psychological trauma is a tangible phenomenon that gives rise to observable physiological alterations. I further postulated that these changes engender shifts in an individual's perception of their surroundings and of themselves, as well as alterations in their coping mechanisms. To illustrate this, one might consider the contrast between the appearance of a seedling growing in poor soil with a lack of water and sunlight and the appearance of a seedling growing in fertile soil with an abundance of rain and sunshine.
There are notable parallels between social phobics and certain individuals who have experienced war trauma. Both groups exhibit a profound fear of venturing outside their homes or even contemplating such a venture. This apprehension is accompanied by a distinct physical discomfort. Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding these individuals render it challenging to alter their circumstances, compelling them to restrict their movements to a limited area, despite the relative safety of venturing outside.
One of the most unfortunate aspects of psychological trauma is that an individual's mind and body no longer function as they would like. This results in a loss of control over one's own actions, as the physical and psychological responses formed by past experiences take over. This can lead to a situation where an individual feels as though they are a slave to their past selves, unable to make decisions or take action without feeling paralyzed. This lack of free will can extend to situations where an individual wants to go out and interact with others, but is unable to do so due to the limitations imposed by their trauma.
In the subtitle of "The Courage to Be Disliked," by Ichiro Kishibe, the assertion "Psychological trauma does not exist" is illustrated with the example of a feverish patient being told by the doctor that wearing too little and getting caught in the rain is the cause of the illness. This example demonstrates that a cause-and-effect approach is an inadequate methodology. As the young man in the dialogue states, "It is irrelevant whether you wear too little or get caught in the rain. The crucial issue is that you are currently experiencing a high fever. The key is the symptom."
If one is a medical practitioner, it is imperative that the appropriate medication or injection is prescribed, as this is the only way the patient can truly recuperate.
However, Adler's teleology is thus given the meaning of "psychological trauma does not exist," which is a viewpoint that I do not agree with. It is evident that wearing thin clothes and getting wet constitutes a trauma, and that having a fever is a sequela of trauma. In the absence of an understanding of the underlying cause of the disease, it is challenging to determine the appropriate course of treatment, including the selection of appropriate medications and injections.
Accordingly, the appropriate methodology for opening Adler's teleology is not to assert that "psychological trauma does not exist." Rather, it is to utilize your comprehension of how your past trauma has resulted in present-day apprehensions to exercise your remaining free will in overcoming the influence of your past self. This entails the liberation of your body and mind, which can be achieved by conquering your fears and attaining control over your faculties. It is only through attaining such autonomy that one can truly achieve healing. This entails the capacity to venture forth at one's discretion and, alternatively, to remain at home when desired, as the body and mind are now free from external constraints. The individual is thus endowed with the capacity to choose.
The question thus arises as to what it means to use one's remaining free will to overcome the control exerted by one's past self. In essence, this entails the rebuilding of the structural framework of the brain, the re-establishment of hormonal secretion and the re-integration of these processes with the skeletal muscles.
Nevertheless, I have already departed from the factory.
There are no returns, no exchanges, and no repairs. This is why many people utilize the theory of causes in a nesting doll manner. It is evident that a considerable number of individuals have not attempted to apply Adler's theory of purpose. However, it is challenging to do so.
I believe this is also the reason why psychological healing is so challenging and prolonged for individuals with psychological disorders resulting from enduring or profound trauma. In terms of their physical and mental capabilities, they frequently exhibit a nested doll or cyclical pattern of deterioration. To venture outside their homes and interact with others, they must surmount significant psychological trepidation and physical discomfort. This process is inherently arduous. Individuals possess inherent limitations in their capacity to endure pain, the duration of their resilience in repeated practice, and the eventual manifestation of physical and mental changes. It is, therefore, difficult to ascertain with certainty.
The mere act of observing one's child engaged in the process of completing their homework assignments can evoke a profound sense of distress. It is a fallacy to assume that merely "trying hard" is sufficient to achieve the desired outcome.
Indeed, the healing process is insufficient in and of itself; it also necessitates the provision of numerous social resources, which are not always readily available.
Consequently, the attainment of freedom necessitates the development of strength and the assumption of responsibility.
Freedom is not without cost. One cannot simply be instructed to engage with others and then immediately do so.
It is erroneous to assume that individuals can be controlled with a mere switch. Merely understanding and agreeing with Adler's ideas does not guarantee the ability to put them into practice. This is why I concur with the criticism of Adler's tendency to espouse ideas without taking responsibility for their implementation.
A similar saying can be interpreted to mean that one may possess a comprehensive understanding of principles yet still be unable to lead a virtuous life.
Nevertheless, precisely because of this, Adler's outcry is all the more valuable. Individuals have the capacity to transcend the constraints of the past, to challenge the limitations imposed by the present, to exert control over their circumstances, and to shape their future identity. As long as one is aware of one's freedom—that one always has the option to choose and is not merely a passive recipient—then one can actualize one's aspirations.
In conclusion, it is necessary to address the empirical problem of trauma. It is believed that the physical changes caused by trauma are molecular and generalized, which makes it impossible to accurately localize them anatomically with existing medical methods, such as those used to diagnose physical diseases.
This is also the reason why psychological disorders are often referred to as "syndromes" rather than "diseases." This is because the corresponding physical location or abnormalities for phobias cannot be identified. Furthermore, it is not possible for an individual to be placed in two different environments simultaneously, allowing them to grow up and compare the physical changes that occur as a result. Consequently, it is not possible to confirm the existence of trauma and psychological changes using logical reasoning. However, I choose to believe that such changes do occur.
In light of this, it is evident that if Adler did not adhere to the notion of psychological trauma, it would be challenging to provide evidence to the contrary.
This is likely the reason why the theoretical explanation of psychological problems is consistently controversial: psychological activities cannot be directly observed or verified. Rather, they are a means for humans to demonstrate their cognitive abilities and wisdom. There is a tendency to prioritize causal relationships, a proclivity for logical consistency, and a desire to exert control over the future, despite the challenges of empirical evidence. However, engaging in such intellectual pursuits can bring a sense of enjoyment and purpose to our lives, as well as a commitment to self-care and self-love.
To illustrate, we may return to my previous translation of social phobia using the ABC theory of cognitive behavior. Freud posited that if A is present, then C is likely to follow. If this cannot be proven, Adler proposed that the individual may have created B to induce a state of fear in themselves. While neither of these hypotheses can be empirically verified, they both offer a compelling explanation of the observed phenomenon.
In Freud, I discern a profound sense of compassion for the inherent fragility and powerlessness of life. It is evident that one is not to blame for the circumstances they find themselves in; rather, it is simply a matter of unfortunate fate. The individual has experienced significant hardship, yet it is not their fault.
In Adler's theory, the capacity to persevere and transcend one's circumstances is emphasized. This implies that individuals have the potential to define themselves beyond the constraints of their past experiences and to maintain hope in the face of adversity. Regardless of the challenges one may face, the ability to shape one's destiny is within reach, as long as one is willing to take action and embrace freedom.
It is imperative to never lose hope, as the present is within one's own control. This is because one is free to act as they see fit.
The above. The world and I love you.
P.S. It can be argued that Ichiro Kishibe's interpretation of Adler's thinking is to live in the present. The past is immutable, and the future is inherently unpredictable. However, the present can be chosen and controlled, as it is not constrained by the past and can influence the future.
Nevertheless, it would be more beneficial to invite Freud and Adler to perceive their own present simultaneously. The timeline is comprised of the past, present, and future. It is truly remarkable that having compassion for one's past appears to be a means of achieving freedom.
Comments
I see your point about social anxiety stemming from childhood traumas, but isn't it possible that the fear of consequences is also influenced by societal pressures and expectations?
Social anxiety can indeed be a complex issue; while childhood trauma plays a role, current environmental factors and personal experiences also significantly shape our fears.
It's an interesting perspective, but I think the roots of social anxiety are multifaceted. It's not just about past traumas but also about how we perceive ourselves in the present.
The concept of an infinite Matryoshka doll is intriguing. However, social anxiety might not be solely due to childhood experiences; it could also arise from learned behaviors and social conditioning.
I agree that childhood trauma can contribute to social anxiety, but what about the role of genetic predisposition and neurochemical imbalances? These elements can also lead to fear of social consequences.