Why Do We Get Stuck in our Problems?

Why Do We Get Stuck in our Problems?By, Emily Dow

Do you feel like you are stuck in your problem, and there is no way out? Do you feel like you keep trying solutions, and they all fail? Systems theory based therapists can help you out of these failed solutions. That begs the questions of why we keep failing in our attempted solutions to our problems. Some of these issues involve trying an array of different behaviors to remedy the issue, but the majority of the time, the behaviors remain in place because they are considered “more of the same”, which means they simply keep the pattern of interaction in place (Flemons, 1991).

Correcting a problem currently is vital to change and ends the “more of the same” issue. More of the same does not work because the change is often mishandled, especially in three major ways. These three ways are, 1. A solution is attempted by denying that a problem is a problem. In this, “action is necessary but is not taken”. 2. Change is attempted regarding a difficulty which for all practical purposes is either unchangeable or nonexistent. “Action is taken when it should not be”. And 3. An error in logical typing is committed and a game without end is established. “Action is taken at the wrong level” (Watzlawick, Weakland, & Fisch 1974).

Do any of these errors fit for you? If so, what does that look like for you, and how do you think we can help you change it?

For more information, sources taken from:

Flemons, D. (1991). Completing distinctions: Interweaving the ideas of Gregory Bateson and

Taoism into a unique approach to therapy. Massachusetts, Boston: Shambhala Publications.

Watzlawick, P., Weakland, J. & Fisch, R. (1974). Change: Principles of Problem Formation. W.

 W. Norton & Company, Inc.