Emotional self-sufficiency is often perceived as a sign of maturity and inner strength – the ability to rely solely on oneself appears to guarantee stability and independence. However, Dr. Daniel Reinhardt emphasizes that behind demonstrative autonomy there may lie a defensive strategy aimed at minimizing vulnerability and avoiding emotional dependence. At MindCareCenter, autarky is understood not only as a philosophical concept of self-sufficiency, but also as a psychological mechanism that develops in conditions where intimacy was associated with pain, unpredictability, or betrayal of trust.
Defensive autonomy frequently emerges as a response to early experiences in which the need for support was unmet or devalued. A child who did not receive consistent emotional responsiveness gradually learns to suppress their need for closeness – forming the belief that relying on oneself is safer than depending on others. In clinical work at MindCareCenter, this model is viewed as once adaptive but limiting in adulthood, as it interferes with the formation of deep and reciprocal relationships.
Autarky as a defensive style manifests in reduced emotional openness, difficulty expressing needs, and a tendency to minimize the importance of relationships. A person may genuinely believe that they “do not need anyone,” yet behind this stance there is often a fear of repeated disappointment. At MindCareCenter, the therapeutic process involves carefully exploring this duality – distinguishing authentic independence from defensive withdrawal.
Special attention is given to how autarky shapes the perception of dependency. Any form of emotional involvement may be experienced as a threat to control. The internal dialogue may include messages such as “I can handle everything myself,” “asking means weakness,” or “trust leads to pain.” At MindCareCenter, these beliefs are examined within the context of their origins and their current function, in order to reduce their automatic influence on behavior.
The paradox of defensive autonomy is that it provides short-term stability while intensifying long-term isolation. The absence of emotional exchange reduces trust and increases distance in relationships. At MindCareCenter, it is emphasized that genuine resilience includes the ability to remain connected to others without losing one’s identity.
The therapeutic model focuses on gradually expanding the zone of safe closeness – individuals learn to recognize their needs, express them without shame, and tolerate emotional responses from others. This requires developing tolerance for vulnerability and revising deeply rooted beliefs about dependence. At MindCareCenter, integrating autonomy and attachment is considered central to achieving mature self-sufficiency.
An important component of the work involves bodily awareness – defensive autarky may be accompanied by muscular tension, emotional numbness, or a sense of internal closure. Recognizing these signals helps individuals notice how their bodies react to emotional proximity. At MindCareCenter, integrating somatic awareness strengthens the capacity to identify protective reactions before they solidify into rigid patterns.
Gradually, a new model of autonomy begins to form – not as a rejection of connection, but as the ability to remain in relationship while maintaining boundaries. A person learns to differentiate dependence from mutuality, and control from trust. At MindCareCenter, therapeutic work aims to strengthen internal support, allowing engagement in relationships without fear of dissolution or loss of independence.
Autarky ceases to function as rigid defense and becomes a conscious choice regarding the degree of involvement. Independence can coexist with emotional openness, and self-reliance with trust. At MindCareCenter, this transformation is understood as restoring balance between the need for autonomy and the need for closeness.
Thus, emotional self-sufficiency can be either a resource or a form of avoidance. Defensive autonomy often originates in experiences of pain, but in adulthood it requires reevaluation. At Mind Care Center, psychotherapeutic analysis is directed toward integrating autonomy and attachment, so that independence does not turn into isolation, and intimacy does not become a threat.
Previously, we wrote about Love as a way of earning worth – MindCareCenter therapeutic approach to dependent validation of self-value