Re:dnms and dissociation

It depends upon the specific mind-set or ego-state of the individual whether or not he or she is "pretending" or maintaining a "facade."

Though your comment is about the "part" of a person that at a moment is interacting with the environment, the above adjectives may connote a willful and pejorative intent. For example, the “front” part of the person may truly believe that everything is fine at the moment (e.g., dissociated) as compared to just portraying it.

Usually, though not always, the "out" or "front" component seems to be involuntarily elicited and performs important social and psychological functions. Specific “triggers” and changes in circumstances such as the psychotherapist’s behaviors may elicit other aspects of the client. For example, frustration with a client’s apparent “facade” may intensify the client’s constellation of “protective” behaviors.

Some clients may appear to rigorously cling to “Everything is O.K.” during sessions, even after previously describing some very distressing circumstances. Usually, there will be miniscule “tests” of a therapist’s attitude and competence before communication with other ego-states occur. Sometimes important internal dialogues never happen in front of the therapist and are reserved for the clients’ private moments.

Of course you already know and practice the above, though it is helpful for most of us to occasionally review the fundamentals.

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