Insight Isn't Change

[Totenkindly]

From Allen Wheelis' "How People Change":

The most common illusion of patients and, strangely, even of experienced therapists is that insight produces change; and the most common disappointment of therapy is that is does not.

Insight is instrumental to change, often an essential part of the process, but does not directly achieve it.

The most comprehensive and penetrating interpretation -- true, relevant, well expressed, perfectly timed -- may lie inert in the patient's mind, for he may always, if he be so inclined, say, "Yes, but it doesn't help."

...The suffering is a given, but the problem is a choice, is subjective and arbitrary, rests finally upon nothing more than the patient's will, upon his being able to say, "This... is what I want to change."

 

[proteanmix]

Hmmmm...

 

[Tigerlily]

Hi Jen

Don't be mad or anything, but when I first read the beginning of your post I thought the book was called Penises Savage. I wonder what that book would be like to read? ;P

I love wild flowers.

PS Great pic btw. You look very pretty.

 

[Totenkindly]

The Savage Penis?

omg that's horrible horrible...!


... i wonder what a peaceful penis would look like. A whole field full of them...

(Gotta watch where you step.)




..... and thank you for the compliment. I thought I looked sorta cute.

 

[nightning]

In other words,

Insight => initiator of change
Will/determination => follow-through of change

ps- I love these little passages you quote. Very refreshing... thanks! ^^

 

[dloaded]

I like reading your posts. They are usually the exact thing I need to "hear" and are always extremely insightful. Your posts always exude a sense of calm or peace, too, which is really comforting and disarming. I think the biggest sense of awe comes from the fact that you are an NT, and yet extremely realistic, with a clear handle on NT weaknesses. I am still struggling to differentiate between idealism and realism. One day, I hope to figure enough things out that I am permanently humbled. You're kind of an inspiration to me.

Regarding this post, I found it well-timed. I seem to conveniently forget the fact that insight doesn't equal change. So, thanks for putting it up for us all to remember!

 

[INTJMom]

"Yes, but it doesn't help."

That reminds me of the difference between head-knowledge and heart-knowledge.
I can know something in my head, but it doesn't really change me until I believe it in my heart.

 

[Istbkleta]

I am sorry, I didn't mean to but this is irritating me too much: I dislike (mildly put) the use of the word "will" in the last paragraph.

Also, you look hot in this picture (for a woman of your age and size and kids(?)). Is it IT Systems analyst?

I am totally celebrating this great day in our history.