Re: Victim's Responsibility (Private Logic)

Private logic can only be explored within the context of a particular case, since the line of reasoning is unique. However, it is possible to imagine a individual who thinks "I am incredibly irresistible, but fragile and powerless! Others are nasty and brutal--they want me and will abuse me. I must risk and endure the humiliation and pain to prove my extraordinary appeal and moral superiority (I would never do this to them)."

The individual may not be aware of consciously having these thoughts, but acts "as if" such logic is driving them. A therapist must usually guess at the private logic that supports a client's repetitive patterns of behavior. If the guess is correct, and diplomatically offered when the person is ready for it, the client may exhibit a recognition reflex (smiling, laughing, crying, anger, sighing, etc.).

Replies:

Re: Victim's Responsibility (Private Logic), by Dr CompanPsychiatist, 7/11/99 Re: Victim's Responsibility (Private Logic), by Henry Stein, 7/12/99

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