ABSTRACT
People rarely enter psychotherapy in a happy and contented state of mind. Far more often than not, people come into psychotherapy with troubles in mind. In the background of the presenting problem, people are often distressed with their internal relationship to themselves. People all too often start therapy with a deeply held belief that there is something wrong with them. As people enter psychotherapy, many are plagued by self-perceptions of character flaws, sinfulness, stupidity, failure, shame, or unlovableness. Suzanne, having just passed her 50th birthday and considering retirement from her position at a university, was neither happy nor content in her life. Suzanne had led quite an interesting life up to the point at which she decided to consider psychotherapy. In therapy, Suzanne found space for all of her feelings. Toward the end of therapy Suzanne attempted a reconciliation with her siblings, but only one brother was willing to invite her back, rather tentatively, into his life.
