ABSTRACT
The subsequent consistent and repeated repair of the therapeutic alliance ruptures is considered to be a primary healing process in psychotherapy and attention to rupture and repair has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on therapeutic outcome. The cathexis approach would suggest that clients use redefining to preserve central aspects of their script-bound frame of reference. In the example, the relational context is relevant and the client can be seen to be defending or reinforcing their relational script beliefs, in terms of beliefs about both self and others. In terms of the framework, deflection/redefining could be an indicator of either withdrawal or rebellion and is a potential rupture marker.
