Exploring the processes of connection and disconnection in imagery work in a patient with depression and dependent personality disorder.

Abstract

Imagery work is a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of depression. It is central in different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and compassion-focused therapy. The clinical case of Cynthia is presented. Cynthia started therapy for severe depression associated with social anxiety and dependent personality disorder. At different key moments in the therapy, the proposed change strategies led to ruptures in the therapeutic alliance. For example, difficulties in accepting depression, fears of being judged by the therapist, guided imagery of compassion and work on the termination of therapy were both triggers of ruptures and spaces for working on the issues linked to the therapeutic relationship. The interactions between different factors of the therapeutic relationship from the perspectives of both the patient and therapist and the implementation of imagery practices in session are presented.

• Authors: Isabelle Leboeuf, Pascal Antoine
• Journal: Journal of clinical psychology (J Clin Psychol) Vol. 79 Issue 7 Pg. 1641-1655 (07 2023) ISSN: 1097-4679 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 36441140 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Psychology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Topics

• Humans
• Imagery, Psychotherapy
• Dependent Personality Disorder
• Depression (therapy)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Therapeutic Alliance
• Professional-Patient Relations
• Psychotherapy