1. Interpretation
FACILITATING CHANGE

2. Communication Technique
Open Questions: What? Questions invite clients to think with more detail and depth
What did you feel when your boss spoke with you in a rude manner?
Why? Questions ask for level of analysis that may not be accessible and may feel incriminating
Example: Why did you allow your boss to talk to you that way?

3. Helpful Hints Convey Empathy Genuine Interest and curiousity
Keep it simple
Focus on client rather than others
Note nonverbal reactions to questions

4. Interpretions
Conceptualizations: The narrative that explains how and why the client developed symptoms
Can be provisional until further information is gathered to support or modify conceptualization
Interpretations are drawn from the overall conceptualization of the client

5. Theoretical Framework
Conceptualizations are drawn from a theoretical lens:
Psychoanalytic Lens: examines role of early childhood and manifestations in transference
Cognitive Lens: examines distortive beliefs underlying dysfunctional behaviors
Developmental: The role of life-span, milestones

6. Theoretical Framework
Attachment Theory: exploration of interpersonal dynamics and repeated patterns of behavior
Defenses: exploration of defenses that may be interfering with better decisions
Existential Theory: Role of unhealthy attachment and death anxiety in undermining fulfillment

7. Working Hypothesis
Both Therapist and Client work on exploring and examining the working hypothesis and a new lens to understand the self and experiences in life
Collaborative assimilation of insights
Interpretations need not be to too removed from client’s awareness (client must be ready)

8. Potential Problems Therapist too hesitant to interpret
Therapist to interpret too prematurely
Therapist argue or insist with client
Interpretations are too complex or convoluted.

9. Therapist Self-Disclosure
Use Sparingly: Focus is on client
Client may shift focus to pleasing therapist
Removes the “blank slate”
Allows for identification
Conveys empathy
Validates feelings and experience

10. Group Exercise
Case Analysis: Work with group members to develop the following:
Conceptualization of case that explains why she has developed difficulties. Please use specific theoretical lens.
Challenges/confrontations precursor to interpretation
Several interpretations that would help client get closer to understanding the conceptualization.