Why Do I Do That?: Psychological Defense Mechanisms and the Hidden Ways They Shape Our Lives

‘This thought-provoking book explores the psychological defense mechanisms Burgo believes all people harbor.  In a congenial tone, the author reiterates that human emotions and their associated defenses [are a] part of everyday life. Exercises at the end of chapters apply techniques for recognizing and defusing oppressive defenses in readers’ own lives and bring the book down to a personal level, creating a valuable resource for readers.’

Joseph Burgo, Ph.D. has practiced psychotherapy for more than 30 years, holding licenses as a marriage and family therapist and clinical psychologist. He earned his undergraduate degree at UCLA and his masters and doctorate at California Graduate Institute in Los Angeles. He is also a graduate psychoanalyst and has served as a board member, officer and instructor at a component society of the International Psychoanalytic Association. He currently writes the popular blog ‘After Psychotherapy’ where he discusses personal growth issues from a psychodynamic perspective.