The program sees unhealthy moods and behaviors as natural defensive responses when a person does not have access, at that time or in those circumstances, to more proactive or rational alternatives. We see that, in life, everyone has the innate need to protect ourselves when we feel threatened or overwhelmed in our struggle for survival. And everyone uses the defensive choices of aggression, retreat, or concession to the level we feel necessary in order to reduce or remove a problem. Thus, in life, everyone at different times and in different situations will rely on defensive instincts to various degrees to solve problems or cope with responsibilities. At the Prometheum Institute we see only that a defensive response is a poor way of fixing a problem and becomes a problem in itself when used too often, too easily, or too forcefully.  Thus

• Not everyone who shows anger, aggression, or hostility can be labeled a violent person.
• Not everyone who retreats to the solace of drugs, alcohol, sexual indiscretions, internet games, gambling, or inactivity can be labeled an addict or a vagrant.
• Not everyone who concedes can be labeled a victim.