For an experience of self, one must take charge of the unfolding of their life. Working with the arenas, the underlying universal aspects of human nature, one doesn't have to solve every wrinkle in their past or in their relationship. People who understand and take charge of their arena themes are better able to stabilize their sense of self, and tolerate intense intimate and sexual experiences. When this happens, judgments are poor. We can turn negative and hopeless and defensive patterns become exaggerated.
Fragmentation occurs when something in the present triggers personal themes within the four arenas.
It is seldom the obvious human miseries that fragment us. The underlying themes cause the deep, debilitating symptoms. We teach mental health skills that provide the means for sustaining a sense of well being. These skills also help separate psychological issues from those that are existentially based. This keeps people from fruitlessly falling again and again into a psychological abyss or empty void.