As a therapist, I’ve encountered numerous instances where clients struggle with deeply ingrained beliefs about their identity and capabilities. These internal narratives, known as schema or anachronistic character structures, often hinder our ability to pursue our desires and goals. Today, I want to share a personal experience that mirrors the challenges faced by many seeking therapy, highlighting the transformative power of understanding and overcoming these mental barriers.
While preparing a presentation for the upcoming Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association conference, I found myself battling a barrage of self-doubt and negative self-talk. Phrases like “nobody will value your insights,” “you’re not qualified to lead a workshop for 200 therapists,” and “you can’t do this” echoed in my mind, accompanied by physical symptoms of anxiety and cognitive fog. This scenario begs the question: Why does our mind adopt such a critical and counterproductive internal dialogue, and what is it trying to achieve?
In Gestalt Therapy, the concept of anachronistic character structures provides a framework for understanding these self-limiting narratives. These mental constructs, formed in response to past challenges, are misaligned with our present self and circumstances, leading to conflict and frustration when they resurface. The term “anachronistic,” deriving from the Greek words for “wrong” (ana) and “time” (chronos), aptly describes the outdated nature of these coping mechanisms.
Identifying and addressing these anachronistic character structures is a crucial aspect of my therapeutic approach. By bringing these outdated narratives to light, clients can begin to understand their original purpose—often as strategies developed in childhood to avoid pain or gain acceptance. For example, my own tendency to self-criticize served as a protective measure against bullying, reducing my visibility and vulnerability to ridicule.
However, the discrepancy between who we were and who we are now indicates that these survival strategies no longer serve us. Recognizing this misalignment is the first step toward liberation from these self-imposed limitations. In therapy, we work towards not only acknowledging these outdated mechanisms but also distancing ourselves from them. Through this process, we empower clients to make conscious choices that align with their current identity and life goals, fostering a sense of adaptability, suitability, and progress.
By confronting and reshaping the stories we tell ourselves, we can move beyond the confines of our past experiences and embrace a future where we are free to realize our full potential. This journey of self-discovery and change underscores the essence of therapy—helping individuals navigate the transition from old, restrictive patterns to new, empowering ways of being.
