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Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 2/2019

01-06-2019 | Original Paper

The Relationships Between Client Resistance and Attachment to Therapist in Psychotherapy

Authors: Vasiliki Yotsidi, Anastassios Stalikas, Christos Pezirkianidis, Maria Pouloudi

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Through the lens of contemporary views on client resistance and attachment theory, which underpins the role of security in psychotherapy, the present study examines the relation between client resistance and client attachment to therapist. Forty-six clients and 19 therapists in long-term psychotherapy completed the Client Attachment to Therapist Scale and a therapist-reported questionnaire for client resistance, respectively, in three different times including the therapist’s summer holidays, so as to take into consideration the role of the therapist’s temporary absence as a real relationship component. Results indicate that resistance is negatively associated with clients’ secure attachment to their therapists, while it is positively associated with insecure attachment patterns. Also, holidays in psychotherapy were found to intervene in the interrelation between client’s resistive behaviors and attachment security. These preliminary findings indicate the interpersonal and statelike character of client resistance, a conceptual shift that augments clinical work as clients and their resistances are seen in more benevolent terms.
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Metadata
Title
The Relationships Between Client Resistance and Attachment to Therapist in Psychotherapy
Authors
Vasiliki Yotsidi
Anastassios Stalikas
Christos Pezirkianidis
Maria Pouloudi
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-018-9406-y

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