Developing emotional insulation.

Abstract

An important goal of therapy is to help patients develop ego boundaries that are flexible and adaptive. This paper proposes use of the term "insulation barrier" to describe the defensive structure that allows a person to withstand toxic stimuli and also enables nutrient experiences to flow through. There is no better arena in which to develop a serviceable insulation barrier than group therapy. In this setting the insulation deficiencies of both rigid overinsulated patients and oversensitive underinsulated ones are easily diagnosed. The author explicates specific techniques that the therapist may employ to help patients become aware of their limitations and practice ways of reacting to stimuli that make them more receptive to new learning.