“Anti-Expectation Psychotherapy Techniques” refers to an array of procedures that have one major common element: they consistently contradict most patients’ expectations of how a therapist will respond to their problems and symptoms. Most anti-expectation techniques involve a therapist encouraging the patient to produce or amplify symptoms, rather than emphasizing that the symptoms be suppressed, denied, or avoided. The techniques are designed for use mainly with patients demonstrating particular kinds of resistance to the more traditional therapy approaches. (10 pp.)
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The Ordeal of Dr. Blauberman
Lillian Ross’s short story reveals a psychoanalyst’s flaws and shortcomings. Dr. Blauberman’s personal alienations and his envy of the patient result in controlling, judgmental, intrusive therapeutic work. Under the guise of meeting his patient’s needs, Blauberman tries to gratify his own. He rationalizes his failures as a therapist by blaming the patient for being passive and resistant. This story highlights how difficult it is to extricate oneself from even a destructive therapeutic relationship. Dr. Blauberman’s negative impact may be short-lived, his patient’s capacity for love and creative work exceeds the therapist’s, and the patient ends therapy. (68 pp.)
