The exercises and techniques of disidentification risk becoming iatrogenic if the discrimination between the authentic self (the equanimous observer) and superegoic subpersonalities (which judge the contents of consciousness to be either good or bad) is not fully understood and experienced. In particular, certain personality structures might misuse disidentification as a means to remove psychic contents which are deemed unacceptable or too painful, in other words, as a defence from the emotional reactions provoked by such contents.

Assagioli (Caldironi, 2004) reminds us that:

“few people fully understand and realise this fact: acquiring a certain degree of transpersonal consciousness does not alienate, does not detach from reality, but rather generates a sense of right proportions and perspective, thanks to which the place, function and relative usefulness of all the components of the personality are recognised: body, instincts, emotions, thoughts.”

It is for this fundamental reason that, generally, disidentification follows the analytical phase – which is concerned with the exploration of the unconscious and the examination of the main defence mechanisms preventing the integration of our exiled and rejected parts – and in conjunction with other methods such as venting and catharsis techniques and humour.

To further clarify the objective of disidentification, we can say with Alberti (1994) that the aim of disidentification is to “be totally here”, it is the full and complete affirmation of our presence in the world, in all our aspects and dimensions:

• I am here in mind
• I am here in emotions and feelings
• I am here in body
• I am here in will
• I am here in soul

Self-identification, at its highest level, is a state of consciousness that allows us to experience our own wholeness (as well that of others).

ESERCISE

The next questionnaire aims to investigate the effects of the disidentification exercise. It can provide interesting information about clients’ inner dynamics, ensuring we avoid any unnecessary or even harmful application of the practice.

Questionnaire on the effects of disidentification (La Sala Batà, 1992)

1. What did you notice after practicing the disidentification exercise? Any positive effects? Please describe. Any negative effects? Please describe.
2. If you feel that evoking this inner attitude has negatively impacted you, please choose which of the following words best describes these negative effects: dryness? coldness? indifference? insensitivity? inability to act promptly?
3. Experiencing a negative impact suggests that the exercise may not have been practiced correctly and that we may have not experienced the true attitude of the observer. Can you explain why this may be so?
4. Did you notice any positive results?
5. Do you feel you have achieved greater inner balance, greater objectivity?
6. Have you managed to achieve more spaciousness inside?
7. Do you feel like you have developed a more discerning attitude?
8. What do you think discernment is? Is it a quality of the mind? Is it an aspect of intuition?
9. As a result of disidentification would you say it is easier not to take your and other people’s problems personally?
10. Why and how do you think disidentification may gradually lead to continuity of consciousness?
11. What do you think is meant by “continuity of consciousness”?

For more:

• Know, Love, Transform yourself (Vol. I)  (pp. 273-274 and 281) – Buy now
  
• Know, Love, Transform yourself (Vol. II)– Buy now
• The Way of Psychosynthesis, Synthesis Insights (p. 239-242) – Buy now