Unexpected Strings: Escapism and Avoidance

[DISCLAIMER]

Yesterday evening, when unwinding from a day of intense focus on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I listened to an electronic dance music (EDM) DJ set by Sara Collado. It was precisely the form of respite (an interval of rest or relief) I was seeking!

During the set, Collado played the song “Unexpected Strings” (2025) by David Hasert and Moses Mehdi, featuring the elegant vocals of Lalena. The track reminded me of “Venasque” by Ian Pooley, from his album Since Then (2000).

I purchased the latter anthology during my time in the military, when assigned to diplomatic posts in South America. Wheile closing my eyes and listening to “Venasque”, it’s as though I can vividly envision the better movements of my time in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil and Lima, Peru.

In similar fashion, listening to “Unexpected Strings”, I experienced welcome reminiscence of a time relatively far from the moment at which I lay in bed yesterday. This brings to mind the topic of escapism which the American Psychological Association (APA) thusly defines:

[T]he tendency to escape from the real world to the delight or security of a fantasy world. Escapism may reflect a periodic, normal, and common impulse, as might be seen in harmless daydreams, or it may be evidence of or accompany symptoms of neurosis or more serious mental pathology.

Because my work was complete and I had no other obligations to which I could attend, I view my form of escapism when listening to Collado’s DJ set as normal and healthy. Arguably, this isn’t all that different than the function of avoidance which the APA thusly defines:

[T]he practice or an instance of keeping away from particular situations, environments, individuals, or things because of either (a) the anticipated negative consequence of such an encounter or (b) anxious or painful feelings associated with them.

Psychology brings several theoretical perspectives to the study of avoidance: its use as a means of coping; its use as a response to fear or shame; its existence as a personality style or predisposition; and its existence as a component in anxiety disorders.

While I argue that not all avoidance is unhealthy (e.g., deliberately staying away from a social event at which violence is reasonably anticipated), it would’ve been subjectively unhealthy for me to have avoided commitments while instead listening to music on YouTube yesterday.

“Unexpected Strings” provided healthy escapism and avoidance once all of my prior duties were satisfied—which they were, as I enjoyed respite. Thus, I’m grateful for Collado, Hasert, Mehdi, and Lalena. Now, I invite you to consider healthy escapism and avoidance for yourself.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost EDM-influenced REBT psychotherapist—promoting content related to EDM, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters. 

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, fair use

References:

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