Psychoanalysis presupposes that we can reason about our behavior, but our brain adapts to the conditions of infancy long before we can reason. Most importantly, it is in infancy that we decide whether to trust that the world will care for us. In refining his therapeutic methods, John Kappas recognized this split in his clients, a split between “emotional” and “physical.” For clarity, this presentation adopts the terms “protector” and “adventurer.”

As shared within, protectors and adventurers need each other, but also drive each other crazy.

The focus of the presentation is on professional relationships. Complementarity between protectors and adventurers also defines our intimate relationships. There’s much more to be said there – Kappas was a licensed therapist, and shared his views in the book “Relationship Success: The E&P Attraction.”