Contemporary Relational Therapy Case Study

The basic approach to contemporary relational theory is fostering relationships through a two person, client and therapist, approach to treatment. The use of self-disclosure is a method to utilize to foster the relationship with the client in therapy. Enactments in relational theory are the interactions between the client and therapist that reenact the client’s past experiences with others. These enactments occur at an unconscious level and can be managed in therapy by recognizing that the transference of the client’s feelings and unconscious reaction experiences. According to Berzoff et al (2016), “transference always needs to be viewed as a joint creation between the therapist and patient” (p. 253). In the case of Donna, enactment may be

exhibited between sessions through hair cutting. Donna appears to have a pattern of cutting her hair to gain reactions from others or when angry. If drastic hair cutting occurs between therapy sessions, it would be a nonverbal cue to explore with Donna her thoughts and feelings experienced prior to the act. In sessions with Donna, enactments may occur when speaking of strained relationships and relationships where loss was experienced. These enactments may present in a nonchalant communication style or physical symptoms characterized by increased heart-rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling “crazy,” trembling, and sweating. As Donna’s therapist, I would try manage the enactment by making no assumptions about her feelings and with the use of “I statement” communication such as “I wonder if you’re angry with me.” As a therapist, I would try to manage any enactments in the triadic third space which would allow Donna and myself to explores conflict affectively and provide a platform to focus on her experiences.