And it occurs to me to posit, likely accurately, as may some day be discovered, that there is an intimate and necessary connection between what are called Complexes, and the unmyelinated vagus system, including all the viscera. The stomach plexus almost certainly plays a role. The Complex feels like something outside, or inside but autonomous. The gut nervous system and reptilian brain would certainly fit this description. In some circumstances, they more or less run most of the show emotionally.
For me, I think I learned to toggle between shame and normality, or perhaps between shame and freeze/invisibility. The latter is more likely. I never felt free of fear, so normality was never really anything but a relative option. Played out in any other context this would be alternating between dissociation, and anger/violence/fear/inferiority.
On this rendering, the Inferiority Complex would be a residual traumatic residue where most of the holding happens in the shame mechanism, even if the other members of the Unholy Triumvirate–fear (the urge to run) and rage (the urge to fight and destroy)–are not absent.
It’s not too late for psychology to become intelligent. There are many near misses, but where wholistic approaches are concerned, as far as I am concerned, there are no bullseyes yet, no methods where reliably positive results can be expected among all trained practitioners, regardless of their own personal ideosyncrasies and (presence of or lack of) emotional intelligence.
There is no penicillin yet, although in my view Neurofeedback has that potential.
My work continues. Last night was interesting, both in good and really unpleasant ways. I’m used to that shit by now. I still get scared, but my recovery is getting faster and faster.