Defense mechanisms: we all have them. One of the trickier defense mechanisms for most clinicians to understand is projective identification, in which an individual projects qualities deemed unacceptable to the self onto another individual, who internalizes the feeling while believing it to be their own. What steps should a clinician take when projective identification infiltrates relationships with patients or fellow clinicians? Dr. Philip Muskin of the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry offers advice to mental health professionals on how to manage these dilemmas through always valuing a second opinion.
On this episode of Mind Dive podcast, Dr. Bob Boland and Dr. Kerry Horrell speak with Dr. Muskin on the seemingly elusive definition of projective identification and its relationship to the work of therapists.. Dive into this exploration of how the issue presents itself in personal, professional and clinician-patient relationships, in which feelings of hopelessness or anxiety can occur even when they are not our own.
“The important thing to remember about projective identification is that it is a normal human phenomenon,” said Dr. Muskin, “Don’t interpret feelings to anyone until you’re able to understand what you’re feeling and normalize it for yourself.”
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Visit The Menninger Clinic website to learn more about The Menninger Clinic’s research and leadership role in mental health.