A reflection on the session with Sophie
Sophie is a sixteen year old female gymnast who consults psychologist Paul Weston. She provides significant information about herself but little information about the accident for which she is asking his professional opinion. From the beginning she repeatedly shows herself to be independent by functioning well with two broken arms and is also direct, polite and smart. She offers Paul her broken hand to shake but ultimately becomes very aggressive at the mention of her mother. She clearly idolises her father by saying they have telepathy but because of his “moving around”, it is assumed they do not see each other regularly. She is there seeing Paul as she is being sued for allegedly riding her bicycle …show more content…
He uses psychodynamic therapy by asking open ended questions. For example he asked Sophie why she was laughing about the “flying into the street” comment. Paul actively listened to her response and circled back to her strong feelings about her mother. Weston looked for parallels between her words and her life experiences for example when she referred to the law suit as a test (In Treatment, 2008). She wanted Weston to write in her report that she wasn’t crazy. and that she just wanted him to write in the report that she wasn’t crazy and this was the test she did not want to …show more content…
They do not believe Oliver is dealing well with the situation and it becomes apparent that Oliver does not understand or is in denial about his parents’ divorce. It is possible that the parents have brought Oliver to the session so that Weston tells Oliver of the impending divorce, so the parents do not have to take responsibility for not telling him. It is clear that the mother and fathers parenting styles are two extremes which is most likely the reason for Oliver’s difficulty in adjusting. Oliver is infantilised by his mother but by contrast his father is not providing enough attention and nurture. For example when Oliver accidently knocks over a vase with his football, he apologises and waits for his mother to pick up broken pieces. Juxtaposing this, Oliver’s father gives him money to be self-sufficient and make his own dinner while his dad works late. At the end of the session Oliver opts to live with his mother. However it is apparent that Weston needs to counsel the parents separately to deal with the mothers infantilising of her child and her own neediness; and with the father to understand Oliver’s needs. Group sessions will also be required because Oliver is the main client and the focus should always be on him. Even if Paul sees the parents for a few sessions together or separately, he would only discuss what he wants them to achieve for Oliver and