Introjection is an unconscious psychodynamic process where individuals take on the emotions, beliefs, behaviours and expectations of others close to them and experience them as their own, which influence their coping strategies. Depending on how it functions, introjection can support growth or contribute to self-criticism, demonstrating what Vaillant described as a defence that ranges from adaptive to less mature forms.

Splitting, which is closely tied to black-and-white thinking, is a primitive defence where a person interprets themselves, others, situations, and experiences in rigid extremes, usually as a way to manage overwhelming emotions. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, understanding this pattern allows patients to move toward better emotional integration and relational stability.

Hypochondriasis, more commonly referred to as illness anxiety disorder, is the persistent fear of having a serious medical condition despite medical reassurance. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, it can be understood not only as health anxiety, but as a deeper expression of underlying emotional conflicts and relational history.

Anticipation is a mature psychological defence mechanism that allows individuals to manage anxiety by consciously preparing for future challenges or losses. This defence was recognized by George Vaillant as a sign of emotional maturity, and shows a balance between awareness and action, allowing people to shift distress into preparation and long-term resilience.

Altruism as a defence mechanism involves shifting distress into acts of care for others, and allows for painful emotions to be expressed in a socially constructive way. As Vaillant said, this mature defence supports functioning that is adaptive, and offers both relief internally and a genuine contribution while also allowing for the exploration of its deeper emotional roots in therapy.

Suppression is a mature defence mechanism that involves consciously choosing to set aside uncomfortable or distressing thoughts or emotions to effectively manage demands. As described by George Vaillant, suppression reflects psychological strength and self-regulation, which is an individual’s ability to acknowledge discomfort without avoidance, and allows for emotional processing when the time and context are right.

Sublimation is a mature defence mechanism where instinctual or socially unacceptable impulses are then transitioned into creative and purposeful actions, which reflects psychological growth and resilience, as described by Vaillant. It illustrates how inner conflict can be redirected into expressions that are meaningful and healthy, which can then allow patients to turn emotional tension into personal development.

Humour, identified by Vaillant as one of the mature psychological defences, allows patients to face painful or anxiety-provoking realities with self-awareness by shifting distress into something tolerable. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, it shows the capacity to acknowledge truth without distortion, and offers both protection and insight into the deeper layers of emotions.

Repression is a defence mechanism that unconsciously keeps painful thoughts, feelings, emotions, and memories out of awareness, and forms patients’ behaviour and relationships in hidden ways. Although it can temporarily protect against feeling overwhelmed, persistent reliance on this defence can lead to unresolved conflicts that psychodynamic therapy looks to bring into conscious awareness and understanding.

Displacement is described by Vaillant as a neurotic defence mechanism where patients redirect emotions from a threatening or inaccessible source onto a safer target. Psychodynamic psychotherapy can help patients recognize these patterns and turn them into healthier and more direct ways of managing conflict.

Dissociation is a defence mechanism that allows the mind to protect itself from feeling overwhelmed by conflict or trauma by temporarily detaching from painful thoughts, feelings, emotions, and experiences. This process can be beneficial in the moment, but can be limiting over time. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, and as described in Vaillant’s framework of defences, dissociation is seen as a way of coping that offers protection but ends up requiring careful integration to support emotional growth.

Reaction formation is a neurotic defence mechanism where unacceptable impulses or feelings are unconsciously switched into their opposite, such as exaggerated friendliness masking hostility, which allows anxiety to be managed but can limit authenticity and cause long-term difficulties especially in relationships. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, recognizing this can help uncover hidden conflicts and can support patients in awareness and healing.

Intellectualization is a psychological defence mechanism where individuals cope with distress by focusing on logic and abstract reasoning instead of experiencing their emotions. As George Vaillant observed in his hierarchy of defences, it is a neurotic defence that can offer resilience during crises but, if overused, may limit emotional connections long-term.

Acting out is a defence mechanism where unconscious conflicts and difficult emotions are expressed through impulsive behaviours rather than words. This defence is classified by George Vaillant as an immature defence as it provides short-term relief but can usually disrupt relationships and therapy, which makes it essential for psychodynamic treatment to help turn these actions into healthier communication and understanding.

Passive aggression is an unconscious defense mechanism where anger or hostility is expressed indirectly through behaviours like procrastination, silence, sarcasm, or withdrawal. George Eman Vaillant described this as an immature defense that protects individuals from the anxiety of direct confrontation but can leave conflicts unresolved, which makes it an important focus in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Fantasy projection, as described by George Eman Vaillant, is a defense mechanism in which individuals unconsciously attribute their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others, which can lead them into elaborate imagined scenarios. In psychodynamic therapy, exploring these fantasies can uncover underlying conflicts and provide insights leading to an increased self-awareness.

Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals unconsciously attribute their own unwanted thoughts or feelings to others, which can distort relationships and self-understanding. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, exploring projection can help patients gain greater self-awareness and clarity, and as a result, may improve relationships.

Denial is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals unconsciously reject painful realities to avoid emotional distress. Although this can offer short-term psychological relief, it can also impair reality testing and emotional growth, which makes it a main focus in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This process was studied by psychiatrist George Eman Vaillant.

Delusional projection, first theorized by psychiatrist George Eman Vaillant as a psychotic-level defense mechanism, involves unconsciously attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others in a fixed or delusional manner. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, it is can be seen as a primitive strategy to manage overwhelming internal conflict and is addressed through careful and empathic therapeutic engagement.

Adlerian Family Therapy is a psychodynamic approach based on Alfred Adler’s theory of individual psychology that addresses individual beliefs, roles, and patterns which helps families understand and improve their dynamics. This approach has an emphasis on encouragement and mutual respect which can allow families to resolve conflict and build emotional connections through a shared purpose and a sense of belonging.