Hitting the Wall

A case study was conducted on one client (Krista) and one therapist (P) in order to evaluate the changes in client interpersonal functioning as a result of psychotherapy. Before entering into therapy, Krista reported problems and concerns with her loneliness, lack of a romantic partner, inadequacy in social interactions, and anger towards others. In her 21 sessions with P, Krista told very animated stories about her emotions and behaviors toward her ex-boss, two of her housemates, and others; she even hit the wall to indicate her passion about certain events. After her therapy, client behaviors were coded by counseling psychology doctoral students. They found that, through the course of therapy, Krista felt less shame/guilt in all of her interactions and had a better sense of people's reactions (i.e. responding to others with less confusion and noticing that others complied with her less). In a post-therapy interview, Krista communicated that she had experienced a better sense of self and an increased freedom when expressing her emotions in a healthy and positive way.


Citation: Hill, C.E., Chui, H., Huang, T., Jackson, J., Liu, J., Spangler, P. (2011). Hitting the wall: A case study of interpersonal changes in psychotherapy. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 11(1), 34-42.