Also known as trauma reenactment, repetition compulsion can take both symbolic and literal forms.
In symbolic forms, it might involve having recurring dreams focused on subjects similar to the initial trauma.
This tendency, Freud suggested, demonstrated howunconsciousinfluences can continue to shape behavior and well-being.
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Types of Repetition Compulsion
Repetition compulsion can occur in a number of different ways.
It is a complex phenomenon that can result from a variety of different courses.
Repetition compulsion can be influenced by a number of causes.
It may be associated with certain mental health conditions, particularly those that are linked to past traumas.
Some of these conditions includepost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) andborderline personality disorder(BPD).
No matter the cause, repetition compulsion can become a behavior pattern that significantly disrupts a persons life.
Unconscious Expression of Trauma
One reason people may repeat trauma is as an unconscious expression of trauma.
People who do not remember a repressed trauma may then be unconsciously driven to repeat the experience.
By re-experiencing the trauma, they are able to gain some jot down of mastery or resolution.
Instead, repetition compulsion may simply occur because people are more likely to repeat familiar patterns.
It is a complex psychological issue, which means that it can be challenging to treat.
It often requires different tactics to help address various parts of the behavior.
Psychotherapy can be beneficial and can help people process, integrate, and gain mastery of their experiences.
Psychodynamic therapycan help people better understand their emotions, identify patterns, and improve interpersonal relationships.
Research suggests that psychodynamic therapy can be as effective as CBT.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapies are really important to process past trauma.
They can be really helpful with nightmares, flashbacks, and to bring awareness to unconscious patterns.
Some somatic therapies: somatic experiencing, EMDR, brainspotting, and sensoriomotor psychotherapy.
Such patterns are not always easy to recognize but can take a serious toll on your health and well-being.
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