Integration Through Relatedness in the Conversational Model: A Case Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the principles of the conversational model in two therapies with a patient, at 16 years of age and again 20 years later.

Method: Described is the first therapy of L, which commenced in hospital and continued twice weekly after discharge. L was an acutely disturbed 16-year-old female admitted for 4 months to the psychiatry ward, a dynamically oriented milieu of a University teaching hospital where I was training. This is followed by a brief description of L's second therapy. Supervision was through audiotape of sessions.

Results: At the conclusion of the first therapy, L was functioning well. Five years later, she married and had a child. She was referred to me again after she attempted suicide following an acute stressful event which resulted in hospitalization. She is more aware and reflective at present but continues to be vulnerable.

Conclusions: Attention to certain aspects of the psychotherapeutic relationship is important as demonstrated in the conversational model.