Analysis of Substitute Feelings
Substitute feelings have the function of holding another impulse or another feeling away from self-perception. Whether a feeling has such a function, can be checked by the counsellor by means of a few questions: Have I experienced this feeling or behaviour pattern frequently in the client (the more frequently, the more probable that this is a substitute feeling)? Does this feeling, or behaviour pattern seem appropriate to the situation (the less, the more probable a substitute feeling)? Does the client frequently tell of the same feeling, the same behaviour pattern (the more often, the more probable a substitute feeling)? Does this feeling or this behaviour pattern lead to problem solving (the less, the more probable a substitute feeling)? Does this feeling have an appellative character (the more it does, the more probable a substitute feeling)? Do I experience the client as grown up when he tells about a situation or shows himself in it (the less so, the more probable a substitute feeling)?