- when irrational, this seems to worsen as the pressure continues - if there is something in one that reduces rationality, and it has reason, this seems analogous to dissociation or trauma. conflict with basic reason implies an unhandleable truth.
Another thought here is that a system behaving this implies it has developed familiarity and skill with doing so. With turning the development of information away from what is true or relevant and toward what seems safer rather than true and relevant. Shifting this familiarity and skill seems quite helpful, and takes significant persistance.
one can then infer that there is likely a set of rational “bounds” that would most effectively help one increase rationality while minimally stimulating the fear of engaging whatever the unhandleable truth is. for example, if i feel least thretened when supporting an imaginary mcboss, maybe i could try to work financial paperwork for a corporation or something — not sure.
i usually try to get skilled at something safe and then kind of branch out carefully once established.
Similarly, this approach helps shift the familiarity and skill back toward rationality. Further thoughts include why the change in behavior developed, as well as what other behaviors and situations facilitated that, and how to include those complexities in addressing it.