In: Psychology
Imagine that you are a therapist, and your client tells you that he intends to kill a woman he was having obsessional thoughts about, a woman he met once at a party. What do you do to give a brief explanation?
As a therapist, I will first understand what is going on his head and l will explore the reasons behind his obsessions. It could be due to some cognitive distortions which would require restructuring in that case a Cognitive behaviour therapy is advisable.
I will ask him to go for a reality check where l will ask him to look at the pros and cons of the repercussions of doing that activity out of an impulsive act.
Pros can be he was able to fulfill his immediate desire but on a temporary basis as he is unable to come in contact with reality and use it as a defence mechanism ( Denial).
Cons is he will completely ruin his life and career ahead.
So in order to deal with violent thoughts:
- Understand and know that anything can happen and be prepared for the unexpected.
- Be in agreement with your violent thoughts- do not fight or quarel with them or overanalyze .
- Remember that you are alone in this . So you will have to anyhow deal with the situation at hand. Do not share or indulge others.