Dysfunctional positive affect: Codependence or obsession with self-defeating behavior

When there is a repetitive interaction pattern in a client's life that is difficult to resolve because the codependent behavior in question has become part of the client's identity or a lifetime way of connecting, it can be helpful to use a protocol that targets this positive affective urge. Examples would be clients who obsessively say, "I'm sorry" whenever there is a trace of conflict or tension with another person, or clients who are compelled to take responsibility for another person's problems in an attempt to insure the continuation of that relationship. This chapter presents the codependence or obsessions with self-defeating behavior script.

Book Section

English

Jim Knipe

Knipe, J. (2010). Dysfunctional positive affect: Codependence or obsession with self-defeating behavior. In M. Luber (Ed.), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols: Special Populations (pp. 463-465). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co