Since it is about personality, will it accompany me all my life or can I make any changes? What can I expect from psychological therapy?
In psychology, when we talk about "obsessive personality" we refer to a dominant pattern of concern for order, perfectionism and control (with oneself and others), with difficulty in flexibility (high mental rigidity) and efficiency ( time is not used well or many resources are consumed to achieve an objective).
Some manifestations are:
Preoccupation with details, rules, lists or organization, to the point of not achieving the main objective, with great mental cost and conflict with people in the environment.
Perfectionism that interferes with task completion.
Excessive dedication to work or productivity, with a feeling of guilt if you do some type of leisure or spend time with friends.
Inability to get rid of damaged or useless objects, even if they have no sentimental value (high control).
Difficulty delegating tasks or collaborating with others, tendency to do it alone because "it will turn out better."
but... when is personality formed?
Personality development is a gradual and continuous process. In any case, we must attend to an onset in the first stages of adult life to ensure that this tendency represents a stable pattern of our "way of being", and not a temporary reaction that can be explained by evolutionary development.
Can personality be modified?
Personality is a stable tendency, it is the basis on which we give meaning to the world and our experiences. Therefore, our mind tends to maintain it despite the inconveniences, that is, it resists change because it involves questioning beliefs that have been deeply rooted for many years. However, modifications can be made and these resistances overcome with the help of a professional.
So... what can I expect from psychological therapy?
In therapy you can work on the personal meanings that you have been building throughout your life, delve deeper into your "mental order" and explore what function that high degree of control serves and whether there have been unpleasant consequences in which you have "let your guard down." Taking into account that the brain is very wise, it surely maintains that rigidity because it has been useful and protects you, you have learned that "this way of being" can even be very profitable (promotions at work, praise for how organized you are). you are, greater perception of autonomy by doing everything alone and not needing anyone).
It is interesting to weigh the benefits and costs in your daily life. Perhaps this "way of being" prevents you from relaxing and enjoying important moments, exhausts you mentally or causes conflicts with your family, partner or friends that also affects your quality of life.
If you have identified yourself, I encourage you to evaluate your case in consultation. Depending on the discomfort and interference it causes in your life, we will establish specific objectives.
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