Various types of behavior, strategies, rules were laid down in us in childhood, but a number of different strategies were formed in us under the influence of certain events in life. If an event brings a person a threat, discomfort, negative experience (shame, fear, anxiety, humiliation), then a new type of behavior is needed to protect oneself. Behavior is conveniently archived, remaining in our inner world, and is not realized. Each of us can remember situations where we once suddenly did something to our detriment, without understanding why or what it was. Because, like in chess: “grab a piece, move.” Today I invite you to get acquainted with the concept of compensatory strategies (Copyg - strategies, Copings). Compensatory strategies are mechanisms we use to adapt to various life situations, especially those that cause us anxiety, uncertainty, or discomfort. In cognitive behavioral psychology, compensatory strategies are often associated with the concept of “coping strategies” and are considered one of the main mechanisms for coping with negative emotions and stress. Compensatory strategies can arise for many reasons, but most often they are related to the fact that we have certain limitations or disadvantages in life (for example, physical limitations, social insecurity, lack of skills, etc.). As a result, we create compensatory strategies in order to cope with these restrictions and learn to live and function despite them. General types are identified in cognitive behavioral therapy: avoidance; overcompensation; surrender. There are many compensatory strategies, but some of the most common include: -Avoiding negative emotions -Trying to be perfect -Being too responsible -Avoiding intimacy -Seeking recognition -Avoiding confrontation -Controlling -Trying to please others -Attracting attention (showing strong emotions) -Appearing insecure – seek protection and guardianship -Avoid responsibility -Seek intimacy when it is inappropriate -Avoid attention -Provoke others -Give control/responsibility to others -Behave authoritarianly -Withdraw from others -Rationalize Although these strategies can help us cope with life's challenges, they can also be harmful if we become too dependent on them or use them instead of addressing problems at the root. For example, rationalization can cause us not to consider alternative solutions, and compensation can limit our ability to develop new skills and capabilities. To better understand your compensatory strategies and learn how to change them, it is important to be aware of your thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive -The behavioral approach offers several ways to work with compensatory strategies, including: 1. Awareness of thoughts and beliefs - often our compensatory strategies are based on distorted thoughts and beliefs that we have about ourselves, other people and the world in general. Identifying and changing these thoughts can help us stop using compensatory strategies to avoid unpleasant feelings. 2. Developing new skills - Instead of using compensatory strategies to hide our shortcomings, we can focus on developing new skills that will help us solve problems and achieve goals.3.Disclosure of emotions - acknowledging and expressing our emotions can help us cope with them without resorting to compensatory strategies. Therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy or meditation can help with this process. Changing compensatory strategies is important because they can become an obstacle to our development and well-being in life. They can prevent us from solving problems, growing, and achieving our goals. In addition, they can lead to additional stress and more serious health problems. In general, compensatory strategies are normal.