Clinical Commentary IX

[This section is a regular feature. A short piece of clinical material from an actual session is presented with a brief introduction about the case. The material has been sent ‘blind’ to three people who represent different psychotherapeutic schools of thought. They have been asked to comment on the material and the approach of the therapist in the session. The intention is to put these commentaries on the same material side by side for comparison of the different approaches and to facilitate the understanding of alternative terminologies and modes of practice - Ed]

The group conductor writes:

The group meets twice weekly for 1¹/₂ hour sessions and takes place in the context of a daytime therapeutic community. The group boundary is firm and confidentiality expected. The wider context includes a thrice weekly large group in which this group merges with two other small groups. All group members have joined within the last year. Peggy is in her early 50's, the rest in their 20's − 40's.

Brief Notes on the Individual Members

Peggy: is an original member. Has two daughters and a grand-daughter of 10 years. She became an in-patient some 12 years ago having lost her husband and home. Over the years living in hospital, hostels and eventually her own home much of her life has been restored to her. Her ability to function adequately in this therapeutic situation marks the apogee of her achievements to date.

Katie: though half the age of Peggy shares some of the same history in that she has been under psychiatric care for many years and both were in a sense ‘rescued’ from the same long-term centre for very chronic and essentially non-verbal patients. Brought up in a rural professional family she was originally seen by Child Guidance and then as she grew older and more desperate by the Courts who referred her to prison.

Jean: has been in the group for four months. She has a son of 20 years who she brought up by herself. She appeared to have quite a rapid breakdown two y