Repress Yourself by Lauren Slater - Essay Example

“Repress Yourself” seem to have been driven by observations of the occurrences at the New York City after the 9/11 tragedy. Mostly psychotherapists asked the victims to revisit their experiences with an intention of improving their conditions; instead the situation was worsened as per the recent findings. Psychotherapists’ serious such for better treatment actually dispirited methods encouraging memory and expression and advocated for repression. Slater points out at a certain therapist who managed to heal her neurosis by playing tennis hence devoting her practice to assist clients receive the energy to become active (Slater 48-53).

However, application of the term “repression” has aroused many issues in the current efforts of finding the best remedy for trauma. For instance, Freud viewed repression as very useful but an unconscious approach since an ego would shield itself from an encounter between the intuitive id and the communally acclimatizing super ego. It eventual thing would therefore include the pushing the threatening material into unconsciousness to discharge the conflict. Freud therefore settled for willful conscious control and the satisfaction brought about by opposing conventional values.

However, at one point, Feud argued that repression gently involves refocusing of attention away from hostile thoughts which is agreeable with Slater’s argument. Slater gathers strength from Freud’s thought while concluding her article that, “Freud once defined repression quite benignly. Slater gathers strength from Freud’s thought while concluding her article that, “Freud once defined repression quite benignly as a refocusing of attention away from unpleasant ideas” 53.

Although the piece may be assumed to be positive because it was done by an expert, there were errors and problems. It would not be good to assume the depth of efforts put by experts to prepare their clients in an intensive program simply because there is need for stoicism in the face of fear. As much as a get over it attitude may work well as far as coping with anxiety and trauma is concerned, fears and injuries will always be in our mind (Slater 48-53). We cannot just assume a major trauma that easily unless we talk about it first and get convinced that the third party shares our feelings.

The assertion that repressing trauma can help us heal better may not always work because at one point, an individual will recount, this alone will instill fear in that particular individual. It is better to dress an issue than assuming it because to me repression is just assumption which is not based on reality (Slater 48-53). When something happens to an individual and the opportunities to talk about the incident is repressed, there is likeliness that the victim will feel dissatisfied and “left alone.

” There is absolutely nothing like re-victimizing ourselves when we talk or revisit a traumatic occurrence. In fact the only way a traumatized person may feel that nothing is happening to the situation he undergoes and that there is no forward movement or healing is when an issue at hand is not addressed. Repression may mean ignoring and this may turn out to be toxic. Creating a facade may further frustrate the victim and even make the traumatized person