DDA therapy
We consider DDA syndrome to be the so-called DDA syndrome. a conceptual bag (an umbrella term), assuming the possibility of a multitude of reactions to a long-term trauma related to alcoholism of one of the parents or family members, or a given person’s knowledge of such dysfunction (knowledge of dysfunction or trauma already affects the psyche of an individual). Many people have heard of this syndrome because of its prevalence. One could both sadly and jokingly say that this is our national affliction. This is not entirely the case, but these are not isolated cases.
DDA syndrome
For people with DDA, especially as children, it is typical to experience isolation, shame for a pathological parent and a lack of role models. This means that such a person feels that he or she is from the so-called An abnormal family, i.e. there is no social respect, which is the most important thing for a child or teenager during socialization, and even more so for a young adult. And at the same time; How often in therapy is such a person afraid to be disloyal to the family, fearing that they may lose it or be punished? If the family is relatively healthy, children naturally take on certain roles and functions, try to be more understanding towards their parents and other family members. People with this syndrome, looking for boundaries and knowledge about them, even by the very fact of identifying with DDA syndrome, then look for themselves in various structures and are very sensitive to boundaries (they also do not always respond well to them right away, and then it is worth thinking about psychotherapy).
In learning boundaries (also as part of psychotherapy), it is worth reinforcing good choices in the case of this syndrome. A patient with this profile is always a victim of the system. Thus, a good choice that is constant strengthens character. Almost everyone who is after a trauma and after a crisis knows this. I also emphasize how important it is to fight addictions in general, precisely because they lead to the loss of boundaries, but also to the shallowness of affect, empathy and a sense of social responsibility!! But that was a statement by the way.
Adult children of alcoholics
Communication in families with alcoholic illness indicates the occurrence of entanglement, double ties (intention, attitude, feeling is a different world from what is heard and actually happens). There is also a narrative about suffering and sacrifice. Hence, communication and loyalty to parents requires exceptional attentiveness during psychotherapy. It is also extremely important to look for new, good reference points. This means that children, when they grow up, should be equipped with opportunities for independent adult life. Literally, to fly out of the house. So what can go wrong at the stage of leaving the nest, when the adolescent has the resources of the family in which he grew up? Perhaps there was a lack of knowledge about adequate threats and social requirements, communication to pass on experience, directing adequate expectations of knowledge about what respect and humility and healthy boundaries are.
Therapy for people with DDA syndrome
Often people with DDA syndrome come to psychotherapy because they lack knowledge about themselves, knowledge about life, they also rarely know what the natural instinct of self-preservation is and they suffer from family relationships. It is also difficult for them to talk about love when they have suffered various kinds of violence from their loved ones. Does this only apply to people with this syndrome? Not necessarily. This issue is close to many people who have been victims of trauma for many years and could not do anything, and then in adulthood they look for other solutions and support in the form of various forms of therapy.
What a patient with DDA syndrome is looking for for himself in therapy:
- support and trust base,
- wonders if he can love,
- I want to learn to set good boundaries,
- no longer wants to be afraid of rejection or ridicule or contempt,
- wants to feel that they have value and can accept themselves,
- that he has the right to say no,
- that his aspirations and ambitions have value,
- that he can be in a role and not just in a function to meet other people’s expectations,
- I want to learn that strong emotions are not good,
- turns for support with mood disorders, anxiety, anxiety attacks, sleep problems, problems in social relationships, problems with communication, problems in building close relationships, problems with trust, eating disorders, social phobias, high expectations of themselves, cannot tolerate their own weaknesses and damages themselves too much when trying to prove something to themselves, has grudges towards people, is afraid of violence,
- is unable to leave his parents, he gets tired of being obliged to them,
- is afraid to pursue his dreams because he is emotionally blackmailed,
- He lacks a sense of security.
Therapy for people with DDA syndrome usually lasts from 2.5 to 4.5 years with a frequency of usually 1 time per week.
I cordially invite you to psychotherapy.
About DDA Syndrome in general, taking into account the systemic perspective in psychotherapy. Hotspots and directions to work. Excerpts and reflections.