What Do I Project onto Other People? (Level 1)

Projection is a psychotherapy idea. It means we expect other people to be like people from our past, especially childhood. These expectations are often negative. We may think others are angry, untrustworthy, or unkind. This can hurt our relationships. It is hard to see our own projections. A simple exercise helps. Write on paper: "What I expect other people will be like." Then list your thoughts. The list may be very negative. Ask why you think this way. Often it is because of people from your childhood, not people today. For each idea, write the name of a person from your past who made you feel this way. For example, if you think older men are angry, think of one older man from long ago. This shows the problem is not everyone, but a few people from the past. Then you can feel more hope about people.