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The DVOMB Core Competencies states that every person with a DV Offense MUST do the Following:
"E. Accepts full responsibility for actions
1. Disclose Hx of abuse
2. Stop denial and minimization
3. Increase in self-disclosure over time
4. Accept responsibility for impact of abuse on others
5. Recognize abusive behavior unacceptable"
What are REQUIREMENTS?
A Genuine Response versus a Pretend Response
Denial can be a majorly simple concept. However, the webs of Denial that our minds construct can be quite complicated. Today, we are discussing these questions:
What is Denial:
AI Suggests that “In psychology, denial is a defense
mechanism that causes a person to refuse to acknowledge or recognize objective
facts or experiences. It's an unconscious process that can help people cope
with difficult situations that might otherwise make them feel afraid, ashamed,
depressed, or worried.” (SOURCE.)
Psychology Today and Very Well Mind suggest that: “Denial is
a type of defense mechanism that involves ignoring the reality of a situation
to avoid anxiety. Defense mechanisms are strategies that people use to cope
with distressing feelings. In the case of denial, it can involve not
acknowledging reality or denying the consequences of that reality.” (SOURCE.)
Very Well Mind suggests that: “Denial is a type of defense
mechanism that involves ignoring the reality of a situation to avoid anxiety.
Defense mechanisms are strategies that people use to cope with distressing
feelings. In the case of denial, it can involve not acknowledging reality or
denying the consequences of that reality.” (SOURCE.)
Oxford Reference suggests that Denial is: “a psychological
process in which an individual refuses to accept an aspect of reality despite
robust evidence of this. It is seen particularly in dying patients who refuse
to accept their impending death and in those who have problems with alcohol or
drug dependency.” (SOURCE.)
In Social Work, “Denial is a type of defense mechanism that
involves ignoring the reality of a situation to avoid anxiety. Defense
mechanisms are strategies that people use to cope with distressing feelings. In
the case of denial, it can involve not acknowledging reality or denying the
consequences of that reality.”
Harvard Health Publishing suggests that Denial involves the
following:
“What is denial?
In psychological terms, denial is a defense mechanism, a
skillful tool the mind can employ when things get tough. "I see it as a
protective barrier we have that we might or might not be aware of," Scholl
says. "It keeps us safe. It also keeps us from looking at ourselves or
addressing something around us and making a change."
You can be in denial about something you're not ready to
admit or take on, or something that challenges deeply held beliefs.
Common triggers for denial can involve
abuse (mental, emotional, physical, verbal, sexual,
financial, or other types of abuse)
alcohol in excess or other substance use, or substance use
disorder
lifestyle or family issues
medical diagnoses
mental health issues
politics
smoking
unhealthy weight gain.
How does denial help us?
Denial can shield us from difficult emotions. Scholl says
that might be helpful in the short term, and provide relief to people who don't
have the bandwidth or ability to face a problem.
For example, maybe someone is unhappy in a relationship, but
the thought of being alone is worse than the thought of being together. Or
perhaps someone is burned out or overwhelmed, and lacks the energy or emotional
capability for accepting what's happening. "Part of the person feels it's
easier not to think about the situation, and lets it go because it feels like
it's too much to handle right now," Scholl says.
How can denial hurt us?
In dangerous or unhealthy situations, denial can hurt us.
For example, keeping our eyes shut about the realities of a
physical or mental illness can lead to serious health consequences. "We
see a lot of teens with depression and substance use disorders, and some
parents deny there are problems because they're afraid of what it means for the
child. It comes from a place of worry," Scholl says. "But denying
problems can hurt children and block them from making meaningful change."
Denial can also hurt when it involves addiction or abuse.
Those problems affect everyone in a family, and can lead to unhealthy patterns
that get passed down from one generation to the next.
Spotting behavior patterns that suggest denial
People in denial often exhibit certain behaviors. For
example, they might
minimize or justify problems, issues, or unhealthy behaviors
avoid thinking about problems
avoid taking responsibility for unhealthy behaviors, or
blame them on someone else
refuse to talk about certain issues, and get defensive when
the subjects are brought up.
Moving from denial toward meaningful change
Dealing with denial means first recognizing that it's
occurring — which can be a challenge for anyone — and then addressing the
underlying issue that's causing it.
If you recognize denial in yourself, Scholl advises that you
reach out for help. Talk to someone close to you or get an outside opinion from
a therapist, a spiritual counselor, your doctor, or a hotline number, such as
the National Domestic Violence Hotline if you're experiencing intimate partner
violence. For addiction problems, make that first call to a substance use
disorder hotline or recovery center, or try attending just one meeting of a
12-step program (such as Alcoholics Anonymous). In time, you can learn to face
your fears or concerns, and develop a concrete plan to change.
Recognizing denial in others: Tread carefully
If you recognize denial in others and you'd like to point it
out, tread very carefully. Seek guidance from experts before taking on a
situation that could be dangerous to you or to the other person.
If the situation is not dangerous, be as compassionate as
possible. "Have a warm and empathetic conversation in an environment
without distractions," Scholl says. "Express your love and point out
what you're seeing. Talk about how it affects you. And then give it time. You
can't force anyone to change. All you can do is plant a seed."” (SOURCE.)
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