Not Knowing and Not Wanting to Know: Reflections Regarding Psychosocial and Psychotherapeutic Interventions in Armed Conflict Scenarios

There is a fundamental difference between the position of “not knowing” and that of “not wanting to know.” This difference is important when thinking about specific issues regarding the work of mental health professionals in armed conflict scenarios. Starting from the Lacanian concept of “logical time,” different ethical and clinical implications are derived for the treatment of victims and people psychologically affected by armed conflicts. In contrast to “not wanting to know,” “not knowing” is an essential clinical and ethical position that reflects the ability to listen to others without anticipating the content of their discourse or imposing one’s personal interpretations regarding that discourse.