Scenario
Janet, a 29-year-old stay-at-home wife, described a recurring conflict with her husband, Mike, to her therapist. When Mike noticed a persistent ceiling leak, he asked if she had contacted a repair service. Janet immediately panicked, began crying, and stayed silent, feeling guilty and overwhelmed.
Mike expressed frustration over his heavy workload and her lack of response. Janet tearfully explained that “he always handled matters such as this.” Mike walked away, and Janet cried uncontrollably. Janet reports that such interactions are typical in her marriage, leaving her feeling deficient, helpless, and overly dependent—feelings she recognizes from past relationships.
Case Analysis
Aspects to Consider
When looking at Janet’s example in interpersonal psychotherapy, one can see the critical components of communication and behavior between Janet and Mike. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the relationship and interaction between the client and the therapist and explores how these dynamics can affect the client’s psychological functioning. According to Janet’s description, she strongly reacts emotionally when communicating with Mike. She panics and feels guilty, then cries and refuses to answer his questions. This shows that Janet has certain interpersonal behaviors that may be inadequate or hinder effective communication. The therapist will address these interpersonal behaviors in interpersonal psychotherapy and help the client understand them.
Steps to Building a Client-Therapist Relationship
Establishing a working alliance is a key aspect of interpersonal psychotherapy. According to Teyber & Teyber (2017), it includes several essential elements. First, the therapist must create an atmosphere of unconditional support and acceptance, where the client feels their thoughts, feelings, and experiences are valued and respected. The therapist must be empathetic and understanding and show deep interest in the client and his problems.
Secondly, the therapist should actively listen and demonstrate interest in all aspects of the client’s life. Attentive and active listening helps the therapist to understand the client, his unique needs, and goals. It also allows the client to feel that his voice is heard and that his problems matter.
The third important aspect is cooperation between the client and the therapist. Interaction should be based on mutual trust, respect, and equality. The therapist and customer should operate jointly to find solutions and develop new strategies to help clients achieve their goals.
Applying Interpersonal Psychotherapy
When analyzing Janet’s case, the interpersonal psychotherapy approach can begin with establishing a working alliance. The therapist must create an atmosphere of trust and unconditional support to make Janet feel comfortable and confident in expressing her thoughts and feelings. In working with Janet, a therapist can use interpersonal psychotherapy techniques such as active listening, reflection, conscious presence, and research into interpersonal dynamics. He can help Janet realize her needs, boundaries, and ways to communicate effectively with Mike.
The therapist can also help Janet develop new behavior strategies to promote a healthier and more effective relationship with Mike. Interpersonal psychotherapy allows exploring interpersonal dynamics and helps clients develop healthier and more constructive relationships. In Janet’s case, it would help her understand her reactions and the impact of past experiences and develop new strategies to engage with Mike.
Reference
Teyber, E., & Teyber, F. (2017). Interpersonal Process in Therapy: An Integrative Model. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.