Situation Analysis First of all, Bernadette is a married woman who has recently been having a hard time both at work and at home. The issues at work include not receiving a needed raise, feeling antagonized by her boss, working for over 50 hours a week, and being labeled a …show more content…
The most obvious defense mechanisms that Bernadette is using is sublimation. Sublimation is the defense mechanisms that changes impulses, such as sexual energy, into more socially acceptable behaviors or outlets such as work or a hobby that leads to built-up tensions (Schultz & Schultz, 2013, p. 54). Sublimation adequately explains why Bernadette is overworking herself at her job as a way to channel her unconscious desire for intimacy into a productive outlet, but the tension of her actual desires and overexerting herself at work is taking a large mental and physical