Compass theory employs the term “Rule-breaker” as a
significant feature of the antisocial personality disorder mindset because it reflects
a willful stand to live outside the boundaries of custom and the rule of law,
and because counselees readily understand the term.
Antisocial Rule-breakers are notably resourceful.
They learn from life experience that little will be achieved without
substantial effort and cunning, and that desired goals must be accomplished by
one’s actions.
Thus Rule-breakers overly use the Assertion and Strength
compass points of the Self Compass. What happens to the lower quadrants?
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| Antisocial Personality Disorder |
The
Love compass point is warped into a façade of charm that masks the hidden
intent to exploit. The Rule-breaker represses feelings of tenderness, for this
would give others the edge.
The avoidance of healthy Weakness keeps them from empathizing
with other’s pain or admitting any faults. It is precisely this lack of empathy
combined with entitlement that creates a “superego lacunae”—a massive
deficiency in social conscience. Thus a Rule-breaker is streetwise, glib, and
able to lie convincingly, and is well equipped to exploit people’s weaknesses or
trust.
THERAPY for ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER
1. The therapist can offer reflections and interpretations that not only
show empathy for Antisocial Rule-breaker counselees, but also help them become aware of
the cognitive self-talk that underlies the antisocial pattern:
- I disdain traditional ideals and hold conventional ethics in contempt.
- I have no guilt about using and discarding others when I no longer need them.
- I take pleasure in shrewdness, calculation, and the transgression of social codes.
- I can wear a mask of helpful civility to hide my true intentions.
- Openness and caring are signs of weakness. If I run into a kind and attentive psychotherapist, I’ll take him (or her) for a ride.
- I don’t mind escalating into verbal threats or physical violence if it gets me what I want.
- I will never be caught. I’m always ahead of the law, the regulatory boards, and the gatekeepers.
- I think people should have access to all the alcohol and drugs they want.
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| Antisocial Rule-breaker |
2. Antisocials typically block
a therapist from any transactions that resemble moralizing, yet respect
tough-minded challenging that resonates with their strong-willed posture. In a
way akin to Reality Therapy, Compass Therapy meets the antisocial at the level
of concrete operations, where they are cognitively fixated, and nudges them
forward toward abstract thinking.
3. By connecting behavior with
its logical consequences, and developing interpersonal perspective that anticipates
their behavioral impact on others, counselees learn how to increase
non-exploitive exchanges with individuals and institutions in daily life. This
growth strategy is very similar to coaching a rebellious teenager into a more
proactive life.
For more, read: COMPASS THERAPY: Christian Psychology In Action
