Abstract
This article is a therapist review of the process that occurred during a systematic case study of psychotherapy with ‘Martha’, a female client who presented with depression, anxiety, alexithymia and dismissive/avoidant attachment style. Assessment, diagnosis of the client and treatment direction is described, followed by a detailed account of the therapeutic process through 12 sessions and 2 post-therapy interviews. Analysis team results are summarised, indicating support for the therapist’s identification of issues during the process of the therapy. Particular attention is paid by the analysis team two points of rupture and repair, with pragmatic evaluation confirming that the relational struggles between therapist and client seemed pivotal in generating positive change.Citation - APA format:Baba Neal, S. (2017). A Therapist’s Review of Process: Rupture and repair cycles in relational transactional analysis psychotherapy for a client with a dismissive attachment style: ‘Martha’. International Journal of Transactional Analysis Research & Practice, 8(2), 24-34.
Highlights
The following is based on a case study of ‘Martha’, a self-referred client in her late sixties, who was seen in private practice for short-term weekly psychotherapy
A summary of the outcomes of the case evaluation by the analysis team is given at the end of the paper, and provides confirmation that positive change occurred, that change was due to therapy, and that the relational struggles between therapist and client seemed pivotal in generating positive change
Conclusions of the Analysis Team Overall, the analysis team were unanimous that the client did change and that these changes could be attributed to therapy
Summary
The following is based on a case study of ‘Martha’ (not her real name), a self-referred client in her late sixties, who was seen in private practice for short-term weekly psychotherapy (twelve sessions). This is a process-orientated report of therapy, by the therapist, in which the focus is to make sense of the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship by tracking the points of rupture and repair (Safran, Muran & EubanksCarter, 2011) with Martha, a client whose life position is I’m not OK- You’re not OK (Ernst, 1971) and who appeared to have a dismissive/avoidant attachment pattern (Wallin, 2007). This case study shows the therapist’s struggle to perform this delicate balancing act, in her attempt to reach Martha in a meaningful way and to acknowledge the impact that they had on each other, so that Martha could begin to formulate her experience
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Transactional Analysis Research & Practice
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
