Be Careful What You Ask For

• MPD and Freudian theory by Leigh , 2/26/98
  • A (pseudo)Freudian take on MPD by August Dolan-Henderson, 3/1/98
    • A Note on Psychological Theories by Vic Comello, 3/13/98
      
      

As I have indicated, I think it may be of benefit for CMT to give some of its unofficial interpretations a more official status. My postings will have that end in mind.

Freud thought of life in terms of working and loving, and I believe he gave both the same status. I see life in terms of developing and loving, and since I give both the same weight, I tend to object when I see someone seemingly favoring one over the other. As for the loving component, I think I could learn much from CMT and have no difficulty believing that CMT's interpretations in this realm are right on the money. I hope to add only a few developmental insights and some thoughts about how developmental factors and relational realities interact.

Back in the '60s we in Chicago suffered a terrible tragedy. A fire in the Our Lady of the Angels grade school killed more than a hundred children and a number of teachers as well. I happened to be on the scene and to later know a child who survived that fire. He suffered from classical survivor guilt. The guilt did affect his ability to have close relationships, but it also caused him to ask the question: "What should I be doing with my life now?" At the time he was part owner of several Mister Beef fast food restaurants. He was successful, but he remained haunted by the thought that he must have been chosen to survive for a higher purpose than this.

I bring up this story to indicate that a "survival guilt" explanation can be right on the money as far as the loving side of life is concerned and still not be the whole story. I realize that you CMT folks know that and use it in your practice every day. Maybe you won't derive any benefit at all from these postings. But I will.

• Question? by Jessica, 3/17/98
  • Words by Vic Comello, 3/18/98