Reactive States of Mind

A crucial concept in terms of understanding oneself is the “reactive state of mind”. A reactive state of mind is a pattern of brain activity that has become engrained through repetition, much like grooves being worn into a surface through repeated motion. States of mind are “reactive” when they are triggered by, and organized around, intense negative emotions.

Let’s say someone criticizes you. The emotion of shame may get linked with sadness and anger, and may be accompanied by body sensations like flushing or a racing heart. Past memories with these emotions are accessed, often without awareness. Particular habits of thinking about yourself and others, as well as predictions about how this kind of situation turns out, also enter the picture. Certain behaviors, like becoming defensive or withdrawing, are likely to be acted upon when linked with a reactive state of mind.

It is even more complex than this, and can occur in less than a second–bypassing our ability to think realistically about what is taking place. We get “hooked” by reactive states of mind and this often prevents us from seeing what is going on more clearly. We go on “auto pilot”.

Therapy, whether individual, couples or group, will endeavor to help you “unhook” from reactive states of mind. The goal is to create the room to choose your response rather than to be swept away by habitual patterns of reacting. Look in the Resources section of this site for some tools for managing reactivity.