Rationalization

Rationalization is finding a logical and acceptable justification for a behavior whose real cause is disturbing. A person explains an opportunity they actually gave up out of fear by saying "it did not suit me anyway"; the real reason is hidden, and a reasonable cover comes to the fore. This mechanism protects self-esteem but prevents the person from seeing their real reason. The explanation looks logical, but it is incomplete. The coach helps the client explore with curiosity the real feeling behind a justification: "This explanation is true, but what else might lie beneath it?"