Abstract
This aim of this case study was to build theory on the development of client–therapist mutuality in person-centered psychotherapy. A case study focusing on a 42-year-old female client who had presented for therapy following trauma within interpersonal relationships has been used. A reflective, theory-building, case study method was adopted that used data gathered from verbatim session notes and research interviews between the therapist (first author) and research supervisor (second author). Three primary therapeutic processes that contributed to the development of mutuality are discussed. First, the development of mutual empathy in the relationship; second, strategies for disconnection and staying out of relationship are identified. Third, client agency and mutuality is explored. In conclusion the study proposes that mutuality is a key construct within person-centered psychotherapy and develops as a natural consequence of the presence of Rogers’ therapeutic conditions.
Highlights
The concept of mutuality has been posited to be a key construct in person-centered psychotherapy
The current case study examines the theory of mutuality and its development and proposes three main processes as contributory factors in the development of mutuality; these are mutual empathy in the therapeutic relationship, strategies for disconnection / staying out of relationship and, client agency in mutuality
Findings indicated the perceived mutuality of relationship conditions predicted client progress during the first three psychotherapy sessions (Murphy & Cramer, 2014). Whilst such studies support the proposal that mutuality is related to progress they are yet to shed light on how mutuality develops within the therapeutic relationship
Summary
The concept of mutuality has been posited to be a key construct in person-centered psychotherapy. Findings indicated the perceived mutuality of relationship conditions predicted client progress during the first three psychotherapy sessions (Murphy & Cramer, 2014) Whilst such studies support the proposal that mutuality is related to progress they are yet to shed light on how mutuality develops within the therapeutic relationship. Being equal must not be conflated with being mutual, at least not in the way that mutuality is defined in person-centered psychotherapy; relationships that are unequal from the outside (such as through differences in role power) can be experienced as mutual from the inside This point was discussed by Rogers (1960: cited in Anderson & Cissna, 1997) in dialogue with Buber, when he suggested that differences in power are always present, when the relationship is considered from the inside it is possible to experience a mutual encounter. To position this as ‘medicine’ for the therapist negates the client’s potential to be both a patient and agent (Rennie, 1998)
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