In therapy there is often discussion and exploration of enhancing healthy coping skills in the client’s life. My work with clients often entails building a metaphorical “tool box” filled with healthy coping mechanisms. We all carry around tools for coping with life– these tools can be detrimental to fulfillment, healing, or positive self growth.These are the negative coping mechanisms that can come as second nature. In order to achieve growth and health, the negative tools need to be replaced with healthy and active coping mechanisms. What active coping tool are you going to integrate into your life?
Katie Steele, MA, LMFT #96656 
October 31, 2016 at 12:55 am
Interesting that you put confusion in the “negative coping” circle. I’ve experienced a serious life set back (estrangement from adult child) and among the feelings I have experienced is sadness, grief, shame, guilt, disappointment, lots of depressions and, well, confusion. I find it very confusing, as I have tried to come to terms with it. Perhaps you label that as “uncertainty”–and there is certainly that, but since I do not understand the choice to be estranged, nor have I ever been given any reasons (though I have asked), I find it very confusing.
My 2 cents.
LikeLike
November 1, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Hi Tim. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would agree that life circumstances can create confusion. I think that negative coping skills can add to confusion, but confusion in of itself is not a negative coping skill but a reaction to it.
LikeLike