The assimilation of problematic experiences in the context of a therapeutic failure

Abstract

Abstract A negative case–a therapeutic dropout–was analyzed with the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale (APES). The APES has been devised from the assimilation model developed by Stiles and colleagues, and it has proven useful for describing the process of change. The APES describes assimilation as a sequence of eight stages which range from an experience being warded off, through being avoided, in vague awareness, then clarified, understood and solutions applied and finally, resolved and integrated into the self. The current study focuses on the case of Ana, who was being treated for reactive depression in five sessions of linguistic therapy of evaluation. The aims of this study were to describe the process of assimilation and to determine whether it showed the sawtooth pattern of progress found in other APES studies. Main results showed that Ana had difficulties in the process of assimilation, never reaching APES Stage 4 (insight). Ana remained at APES Stages 2 and 3. The sawtooth pattern was...