defense interpretation

Full Definition

A defense interpretation is a specific type of analytic intervention that helps patients recognize and understand their unconscious defensive operations. These interpretations address how patients protect themselves from painful affects, memories, or insights through mechanisms like repression, denial, or intellectualization. Defense interpretation typically precedes impulse interpretation, as defenses must be analyzed before the defended-against material can be safely explored.

Usage

Usage note: Part of the hierarchy of interpretation; typically comes before impulse interpretation.

In Context

• "The analyst offered a defense interpretation about the patient's tendency to intellectualize emotional experiences." — Process notes
• "Effective defense interpretation requires careful timing to avoid overwhelming the patient's ego capacity." — Technical paper