The Art of Character Analysis

Character analysis, as defined by Wilhelm Reich, is an essential component of my method. I often quote Reich as his explanations make vividly clear the nuances of his clinical approach. I picked a selection for you that describes an aspect of character analysis and how it works in practice.

We stated that character analysis begins with the singling out and consistent analysis of the character resistance. This does not mean that the patient is enjoined not to be aggressive, not to be deceptive, not to speak in an incoherent manner, to follow the basic rule, etc. Such demands would not only be contrary to analytic procedure, they would be fruitless… In character analysis we ask ourselves why is the patient deceptive, speaks in an incoherent manner, is emotionally blocked, etc.; we endeavor to arouse his interest in the peculiarities of his character in order to elucidate, with his help, their meaning and origin through analysis.  In other words, we merely single out from the orbit of the personality the character trait from which the cardinal resistance proceeds, and, if possible, we show the patient the surface relation between the character and the symptoms….we isolate the character trait and put it before the patient again and again until he has succeeded in breaking clear of it and viewing it as he would a vexatious compulsive symptom” (Reich, Selected Writings, 1973, 56)

Deceptiveness is an interesting character resistance for us to examine. It is a quality of illusiveness, secretiveness and can be laced with deceitfulness and misleading falseness. You might get the sense that this person is leading you astray, hiding something or taking an action behind your back; maybe she has found a way to be delusive while pretending to be innocent. You may catch this type of person frequently lying or being sneaky.

Are you someone who hides your true intentions, tries to get away with behaviors that you don’t want to be called out on; do you try to keep people off your scent? Are you surreptitious, avoid difficult issues until the last minute, do you tend to cover up or be covert in your actions and lack accountability? Do you mask your plans? Have secret agendas? Are you reluctant to be straightforward and honest about your real feelings or intentions?

Deceptiveness can be subtle — where the individual does not blatantly lie but rather is squirmy –wiggling away from directness with a smile. There may be a style of illusiveness, slipperiness that demonstrates that you can’t pin this person down. What does she really feel? What does she really mean?

Deceptive individuals are not open, and one senses that they are not trustworthy. They are not direct, revealing and honest but rather defend against clear messaging. The analyst will pursue this quality, unmask it again and again until the patient can see and understand this critical trait. Why is this called a character resistance? As long as the patient is deceptive, sneaky or deceitful, he is hiding the truth from himself, the therapist and is acting-out a hide-and-seek game so as not to be found out. This aspect of his character is a central resistance to therapy. He will resist the therapist every step of the way through his false or misleading style – the jocular laugh, changing or diverting the subject, getting edgy or aggressively attacking the therapist. The patient is determined not to be seen as he really is; he has lead a life of hiding out behind a type of delusion in order to present a “favorable impression”, a false self that allows him to hide inadequacies or shame, for example. There are many survival scenarios that could create this lasting character trait.

The therapist will explore the origins of this style; why a child might feel a need to hide his true feelings and intentions, work to create an alternate impression, get away with things that might be discouraged or punished but were important to the child. Maybe lying to others became habitual and the value of integrity was never learned or experienced. Hiding and deceiving others is quite common in our society. Unfortunately, individuals don’t feel courageous or principled enough to be honest, forthright, revealing, truthful and therefore trustworthy both with intimate others as well within the larger arenas of career, family or friends.

Character analysis deciphers a leading quality or trait that more or less defines the way the patient is: reserved, flighty or shallow, attacking, managerial, etc. and helps the patient to become aware of the defensive trait that is in the way of health and authenticity.