ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on interventions that are substantially incorrect—efforts by the therapist that do not obtain cognitive validation and in fact tend to generate non-confirmatory negative interpersonal images. Erroneous interventions will generally precipitate selected, but highly veridical, non-transference-based perceptions of the nature of the therapist's mistake, along with derivative communications suggesting the basis for his or her error and a way to shift to correct technique. A therapist's recognition of a technical error, correction of it at the behest of the patient's derivative material, and subsequent rectification of a previously traumatic situation is a highly salutary experience for both patient and therapist. Such efforts transform a destructive interlude into a constructive one, and only minimal damage results from the original error. The chapter provides a series of final exercises through which some of the difficulties just delineated will be identified and contrasted with sound technique.
