Meagan has been undergoing psychoanalysis for a few months. At a session several weeks ago, her therapist confronted her about her underlying need for attention and love that is unfulfilled, and suggested this as the reason for some of her problems. This made her uncomfortable to talk about and she tried to redirect the topic on to other issues in her life. Since that session, she has cancelled three more sessions with her therapist. What process would the therapist say is occurring?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The process that the therapist would suggest is occurring is resistance. This is when a patient avoids or blocks out topics that are uncomfortable or cause anxiety. In this case, Meagan became uncomfortable when her therapist confronted her about her need for attention and love, and tried to redirect the topic. This is a form of resistance.

Meagan Has Been Undergoing Psychoanalysis for a Few Months