The Mind and Body in Body Psychotherapy: Characteristics and Their Connections

This time, we'll introduce the psychopath and masochist as intermediate types. Wilhelm Reich's (1897-1957) psychopath has been shown to be narcissistic in recent research by Stephen M. Johnson (1985). Perhaps the psychopath, driven by a desire for power and success, is the most common type in our society today. The Psychopath and narcissistic types struggle with independence and separation and lack the ability to express their true selves. Furthermore, the term "psychopath" generally refers to a person with no moral character. Therefore, it is important to distinguish them from the extremely negative type of sociopath.

The term "masochist" was first coined by Wilhelm Reich and should not be confused with the sexual term used to describe the infliction of pain in order to obtain pleasure.

Psychopathic

- The right to independence and the demand for rights recognized by others

Psychopathic individuals are influenced by trauma experienced between 18 and 24 months of age, when independence is emerging. During this time, instead of learning about the needs of others, the infant's innate need for omnipotence is limited.

Figure 1: Psychopathic type

The infant is exploited by their parents or primary caregivers for selfish purposes, pushed beyond their capabilities, and completely ignored for their true needs. They are groomed to be the parent's model student. Conversely, infants may be belittled and humiliated by their parents for being less than their true abilities. As a result, they feel powerless, their needs are denied, and they present a false self that is assertive, self-centered, and perfectionistic. These individuals may also experience a secret attraction to the opposite-sex parent, resulting in a love triangle. The parent exploits the child in an attempt to gain something from them. Because they feel no support from their same-sex parent, they side with their opposite-sex parent, feeling betrayed and deprived of what they truly need. As a result, they emotionally compensate by manipulating their parents. To control others, they may appear powerful, even lying at times. They seek support and encouragement. However, when interacting with others, psychopaths use submissive language, such as "you should do this," and directly manipulate others, so they never receive support from others. Thus, psychopaths need to exert great power to control others. There are two main ways to dominate: bullying and dominating others, or seducing and then secretly harming them in underhanded ways. Their sexual impulses are usually hostile, accompanied by numerous fantasies. In order to gain love, power behavior takes precedence over satisfaction. They have an ideal image of themselves and constantly feel a strong desire to feel superior and to humiliate others. They do not reveal their needs to others, but instead try to put themselves in a situation where others need them. This is actually a way to hide the inferiority complex that lies deep within.

There are two types of psychopaths: aggressive and controlling, and soft and seductive. The former have expanded upper body muscles, especially the chest, broad shoulders and arms, an upturned chin, a stiff neck, piercing eyes, a thin, cool, and firm pelvis, and underdeveloped legs. There's a great deal of tension in the shoulders, back of the head, and around the eyes, and weak, ungrounded legs. There's also a lack of energy flow between the upper and lower body. The latter type has a more harmonious and flexible physique, but an expanded pelvis. Both types are impulsive and full of controlling energy, yet at the same time, they restrict the free flow of energy within their bodies. The psychopathic physique reflects a commitment to enduring fear of failure and frustration.

This type is often seen in gangsters, politicians, con artists, hostesses, flight attendants, etc. When the symptoms reach an extreme, they become sociopathic or borderline.

Masochistic

- Claiming the right to do things your own way, at your own pace

The masochistic type is influenced by developmental inhibitions that occur between 18 and 30 months of age, a time when infants are able to judge and agree to commitments and agreements. During this time, infants begin to assert themselves, but their desires are disrupted when they are not met. This results in ambivalence—dependence on or opposition to a primary object. Free and assertive expression is hindered by fear of losing the love from their parents that is so important to the parent-child relationship. Affection from the mother or primary caregiver becomes conditional, intimidating and discouraging. Even the infant's feeding and elimination systems are controlled. Infants are taught that any self-assertiveness or freedom of self-confidence is shameful. Any attempts to resist this fearful pressure are stifled, leaving the infant feeling trapped, defeated, and humiliated. So the toddler surrenders, opens up to self-expression and creativity, and appears good and well-behaved, but in reality, he never loses any sense of self or sense of self, and he begins to harbor anger, resentment, and indignation as his ego becomes more and more formed.

Figure 2: Masochistic type

In the adult world, masochists are responsible, reliable, considerate, kind, relaxed, and do-it-all types. They are emotionally charged, well-built, and have enormous reserves of energy. On the negative side, they constantly demand independence and are very polite in their interactions with others, but their whiny, hateful, and manipulative language often inflicts anger and creates opportunities for expression. Thus, they become trapped in a cycle of dependency. While they may outwardly appear patient, complaining, whining, and submissive, they are not actually surrendering. They may also harbor strong feelings of malice, pessimism, hostility, superiority, and fear, which can lead to outbursts of extreme anger. Men with this type may be impotent and have a strong interest in pornography. Women may be frigid and have impure sexual desires.

The typical masochist's body shape is heavy and plump, packed with overdeveloped muscles and angularity. The shoulders and neck are tightly packed, as if tethering themselves to internal pressure. This internal voice is of a blaming nature. Other characteristics include strong tension in the jaw, throat, and pelvis. The buttocks are cold, compressed, and pushed in, and the limbs are strong and plump. Energy is held back in the throat, the head is pushed forward, and the eyes are sunken. We also see energy blockages in the torso, limbs, and between the head. The individual tends to keep their energy internal and absorb external energy, creating a defensive state. This stocky, heavily muscled body is well-founded (often seen in good dancers, not actors), but with a slightly upright, assertive force that lacks grace and self-esteem.

Typical occupations include managers, caretakers, gardeners, nurses, and bureaucrats. In extreme cases, masochistic symptoms can lead to masochism, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.