LEVELS OF DENIAL
“I didn’t do it!”
Denial of the act
The client blames others to avoid looking at his responsibility. Through blaming, he can encourage others, such as his family, to direct their anger at someone else who “caused” the problem. This takes the heat off the client.
Blaming
The client presents himself as a victim to manipulate others.
Playing the Victim
“I did it, but he wasn’t really hurt.”
Denial of Harm
The client presents himself as puzzled and confused.
Playing Confused
“I did it, but I didn’t mean to!”
Denial of Intent
The client talks in vague or general terms so he can’t be confronted about the exact details of his offending. He may use phrases such as “I guess,” “in a sense,” “I don’t remember exactly,” or “you might say.”
Avoiding Details
The client offers excuses as a way to avoid taking responsibility for his behavior.
Making Excuses
Yeah, I did it, but it wasn’t that bad!”
Overall Minimization
The client is quiet during group and refuses to participate in discussions.
Silence
“It just happened.”
Denial of Fantasy & Planning --“
The client tries to get others to feel sorry for him. This way, the client can make it harder for others to be angry with him and confront him.
Seeking Sympathy
The client purposely does things to get attention or approval from others. He wants to be praised and to avoid feeling bad.
Minimizing
“I did it, but I’m over it now!”
Denial of the Need for Treatment
The client uses this technique to make other people look stupid.
Making Others Look Foolish
“I did it, but it only happened once.”
Denial of Frequency
The client distracts the group from important issues by bringing other issues. He may try to stir up controversy and heated debate about these side issues.
Distracting
The client purposely does things to get attention or approval from others. He wants to be praised and to avoid feeling bad.
Seeking Approval
“She didn’t say no.”
Denial of Fantasy & Planning
The client believes that he is so special that the rules do not apply to him.
Mr. Unique
“He continued to be my friend.”
Blaming the Victim
The client pretends to be nice when he is trying to manipulate someone.
Mr. Nice Guy
The client acts overly positive to avoid looking at the reality of his offending.
Acting Overly Optimistic
“I just brushed up against her.”
Denial of Intent
The client tells people what they want to hear, so they will like him.
People Pleasing