When a child experiences deep betrayal, often by primary caregivers, siblings, or teachers, they may develop what Wilhelm Reich and other schools of somatic psychotherapy termed the “Psychopathic Character Structure” (also known as the “aggressive” or “controlling” pattern). This character structure begins forming between the ages of 2 and 4, a crucial developmental stage. During this time, children start exploring the world, seeking independence while staying within the visual range of caregivers. Children naturally crave validation and attention—asking questions like, “Did you see how high I jumped?”—and rely on adults to recognize their new skills and curiosity. This period is marked by a blend of independence and dependency, where a child’s growing sense of self and self-esteem is closely linked to their impulses and achievements.
What can go wrong is that instead of the child’s curiosity, play and impulses being supported, they can be denied or manipulated. The important adults don’t join in with them – perhaps they are tired or emotionally preoccupied. Perhaps the child was often pushed or encouraged to be independent before they were actually ready. They may have experienced shaming or belittling if they needed help. This can lead to the unconscious belief that they won’t really get what they ask for, but will be manipulated or betrayed instead. Or there can be a denial of the child’s true feelings or reality – a child expresses feelings and is met with a variation of “You don’t really mean that, dear’; ‘Of course you’re not sad, nothing to be upset about’; ‘There’s mommy’s brave boy”… All these sorts of interactions are profoundly out of contact with the child‘s true experience.
Betrayal and Its Consequences
Things can go terribly wrong when a child’s natural curiosity and desire for support are denied or manipulated. Caregivers, often distracted or emotionally unavailable, may fail to join the child in play or prematurely push them into being independent. If a child is shamed or belittled for needing help, they may internalize the belief that their needs won’t be met and will be betrayed instead. They may also face emotional invalidation with phrases like “You don’t really mean that” or “You’re not really sad.” These responses disconnect the child from their authentic experience, leading to profound emotional pain and confusion.
This betrayal wounds the heart and stunts the development of empathy. The child may stop expecting genuine emotional connection with others, adopting an avoidant attachment style. They come to believe the world is hostile, where only the strongest survive. Consequently, they turn inward, relying on their strength and willpower instead of seeking love or support. As adults, they often become self-sufficient loners, fearing vulnerability and rejecting dependence on others.
The Psychopathic Structure in Adults
When speaking of the “Psychopathic Structure,” as with all other character structures, it is essential to remember that the widely used pathology-based terms for these patterns cannot be directly associated with psychological pathologies, e.g., psychopathy or schizophrenia. This means that if somebody shows signs of a psychopathic pattern, it does not automatically make them a psychopath in the clinical sense. Within all patterns, there is a vast range of healthy and unhealthy expressions and behaviours that a person may adopt and, with time, also learn to grow out of and heal. In turn, though, a pathological psychopath, sociopath or narcissist will likely carry the childhood wounding of the psychopathic structure.
Adults with a psychopathic structure may be influential leaders or, in extreme cases, tyrannical rulers. Their childhood wound of betrayal fuels their fear of vulnerability, causing them to seek control over others as a defence mechanism. This pattern can look like manipulation, aggression, or even violence. Often highly intelligent and articulate, they are skilled at using power to dominate and control, but they struggle with empathy and connection. Their deep fear of losing power prevents them from letting others be in control, creating a dynamic of domination.
Physically, this structure often shows up as a strong, armoured upper body, particularly around the chest and shoulders, as if to shield the heart. Their bodies may take on a V-shape, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, reflecting their inner disconnect. Their intense gaze and athletic build can give them an air of authority, but they are prone to pushing their bodies beyond limits, ignoring the need for rest or care.
Healing the Wound: A Path to Connection
Healing the psychopathic structure requires rebuilding trust in others, something that was broken during childhood. These individuals have learned to rely solely on themselves, making it essential for them to experience genuine emotional support. Unfortunately, this type often resists therapy, fearing vulnerability and loss of control. They may only seek help when their defences are shattered, and even then, their focus may be on restoring their strength rather than healing their wounds.
Breathwork can be a powerful healing modality for those with this pattern. It allows them to bypass their conscious defences and experience relaxation in the presence of a trusted facilitator. By helping them reconnect with their body and buried emotions, particularly sadness, grief, and abandonment, breathwork can shift energy from the overcharged upper body to the underdeveloped lower body, promoting grounding and balance.
Working with individuals with this structure requires patience and authenticity. These individuals are highly sensitive to inauthenticity and manipulation, so trust must be earned. Over time, showing them that they are lovable and helping them reconnect with their gifts—such as their ability to harness energy towards meaningful goals—can guide them toward a healthier expression of their power.
At their core, those with the psychopathic pattern often believe they are unlovable or inherently bad. Healing requires breaking through this belief, allowing them to experience vulnerability and connection in a safe, supportive environment. With time, they can transform from individuals driven by fear and control into empowered, connected beings who direct their energy toward positive change.
If you are a breath worker, healer, coach, yoga teacher or therapist, or just want to dive deeper into understanding your own developmental history and explore somatic approaches to healing, please see details of my upcoming Healing Developmental Trauma retreat and training in October 2025 HERE
If you are interested in learning more about developmental trauma and how it shapes our mind and body, check out my video training course Introduction to Reichian Character Structures & Developmental Trauma HERE
