Impulsive/Compulsive Personalities

How We Hear and Understand Them in Our Narcissistic Society

Abstract

Given the difficulty of the topic of addictions and dependencies, based on a history of extensive research, this article will address the treatment of individuals with compulsive behaviors and addictions. Its objective is to show how Bioenergetics can be a valuable tool in cases where sensoriality is impaired. Grounded in the psychodynamic understanding of the processes involved in these behaviors, and through the understanding of the role of the «characterological muscular armor”, the understandings of Reich and Lowen can help these patients reconstruct their ego structures of containment and restore the «tonic envelope of emotions” to make their defense mechanisms better and more flexible.