[2] Among other contexts, ego reduction has been seen as a goal in Alcoholics Anonymous; as a part of BDSM play,[3] providing a means of entering "subspace"; and as a way of attaining religious humility and freedom from desire in Buddhism.
[4] Harry Tiebout saw the surrender of the alcoholic in AA as dependent upon ego reduction, in the twin sense of a relinquishment of personal narcissism, and the development of a new trust in other people.
[6] While most therapy favours a process of strengthening the ego functions, at the expense of the irrational parts of the mind,[7] a reduction in self-importance and self-involvement — ego reduction — is also generally valorised: Robin Skynner for example describing the 'shrink' as a head-shrinker, and adding that “as our swollen heads get smaller... as people we grow”.
[8] Rational emotive behaviour therapy also favours such ego reduction as a part of extending self-control and confirming personal boundaries.
[10] However, the goal of egolessness (as Buddhist therapists warn) is not to be confused with a mere loss or paralysis of ego functions: it is rather their incorporation and transcendence.