Overcompensating modes made simple

Overthinker/ Overanalyser

The Overanalyzer/Overthinker mode the

patient tries to protect him/her-self from
danger, real or perceived, by ruminating
and brooding. Focuses on what if's and
things going wrong, minor details.
Creates difficulty with decision making,
pusuing goals, procrastination is
common.

Perfectionist Overcontroller

The Perfectionist Over-Controller is

focused on perfectionism to gain
control and prevent critical or
misfortunes, In this mode the client
tries to protect him/herself from
danger, real or perceived, by focusing
on creating a perfect outside
appearance, cannot allow errors in
work, a perfect performance.
Procrastination is common.Can be
hypercritical of others who are not
perfectionistic.

Paranoid/ Suspicious Over-

Controller,

This mode is suspicious. It monitors

others closely and is convinced of the
malicious intent of others’ behavior.It
questions the motives in any interaction
and fears control or being tricked. Nadene van der Linden
 Overcompensation modes mode simple

Scolding overcontroller

Self-righteous scolding somewhat like a

combination of self-aggrandiser and bully
attack.A Scolding Overcontroller issues
orders to others and makes belittling
remarks as a way of controlling their
behaviour. (source STSA)

Attention-seeking mode

In this mode the patient attempts to get

the attention and approval of others, with
extravagant, inappropriate or exaggerated
behaviors. Usually he/she tries to
compensate for feelings of sadness and
loneliness.

Self-aggrandiser mode:

In this mode the client acts egoistically, shows

little empathy for the needs and feelings of
others and thinks he/she should not follow the
rules like others do. He/she behaves
competitively, hatefully, abusively. The subject
is quite self-absorbed, craving the admiration
of others, and showing superiority. Usually the
emotion associated with this mode is anger,
activated when someone threatens his/her
status
Nadene van der Linden
 Overcompensation modes mode simple

Conning manipulative
This mode manipulates, lies, and
commits frauds to obtain a specific
goal that is usually to victimise others
or to avoid punishment. Although
not limited to, it is often seen in
forensic populations. Does not
however appear threatening and can
be highly skilled and likable to others,
either in a charming or "sell ice to
eskimos" kind of a way.

Bully/ attack mode

Directly harms other people in a

controlled and strategic way
emotionally, physically, sexually,
verbally, or through antisocial or
criminal acts. The motivation may
be to overcompensate for
preventing abuse or humiliation.
Has sadistic elements. Although not
limited to, it is often seen in
forensic populations. The anger
feels hot and dangerous.
Predator mode

This mode more often seen in forensic

settings. It is focused on the elimination of a
threat, a rival, an obstacle, in a merciless, cold
and calculating way. Unlike the bully attack
mode that is a hot mode of expressing anger,
the predator instead is very cold and
ruthless. For eg. client knows therapistis
afraid of spiders, catches spider in jar and
brings to session to “show“ the therapist.
Nadene van der Linden
Pollyanna Overcompensator:
First identified in people with eating
disorders, but by no means confided to
them, this mode “maintains persistently
positive attitude, even in the face of
difficult events and interpersonal
tensions. Avoids genuine assertiveness
and minimizes feelings that might lead
to criticism or rejection (e.g. authentic
anger, sadness, shame). Excessive
'positive thinking', finds a 'silver lining'
even in the most difficult situations or
circumstances, whilst unwittingly
invalidating one's own or others'
struggles and difficulties. May use
platitudes such as 'Everything happens
for a reason', 'It was meant to be', as a
means of attempting to reduce others'
feelings of vulnerability (source:
Simpson 2019)

Flagellating over controller

The Flagellating Overcontroller mode punishes and

abuses the self over even minor flaws in an effort
to minimise criticism from the Punitive Critic and
from others, and in the belief that it will promote
self-improvement / being morally superior/
perfection. Very common in eating disordered
clients. Rose Byrne’s character in Physical is a good
example.
(source Simpson, 2019)

Nadene van der Linden