Conceal
Why do people attempt to conceal things? Why are we not content to be what we are? Why this effort? On a verbal level, this is easily explained. If everybody expressed all that was going around in their head, it would quickly destroy all relationships they have. Complete honesty is not a viable concept. In fact, this is why constant internal activity is required along the lines of the guiding distinction of self-expression. Even on the non-verbal level this is so: those who always tactlessly show when they are dissatisfied with something also put relationships under pressure. Therefore, the functional aspect of concealment lies in empathising with that which is appropriate for the particular relationship and role. Here, balancing appropriate consideration with approachable, open contact is a continuous task. Thus, concealment becomes dysfunctional when it is not a response to the present circumstances or to social practices, norms or no-go areas, but rather serves to deal with internal anxieties and the avoidance of internal conflict (why have I done/said/shown this again? How could I …?). If things cannot be as they are, because an inner entity is against it, then this is something completely different to consciously deciding to avoid a particular behaviour for the benefit of needs (closeness, belonging, effectiveness in a role, etc.), to leave something unsaid or to keep my facial expression under control. The guiding question here must be: “Is the client free in his decision or is he unconsciously inhibited?”