ABSTRACT
The process of relational repair begins with identifying the relational rupture. Ruptures can be identified by the recognition of a rupture marker – some behaviour on the part of the client which the therapist notices and interprets as indicating a rupture. Safran and Muran identify two primary types of relational rupture markers: withdrawal and confrontation. The ultimate goal is for the client to express underlying repressed feelings – usually feelings that were repressed and forbidden during childhood. Thus rupture and repair form a potent method of deconfusion involving the expression of repressed emotions and the gradual healing of the relational wounds associated with the repression. The process of deconfusion can be a slow and gradual one. The therapist is advised to utilize their countertransference responses to inform them as to what might be going on. The deconfusion takes place gradually as the client expresses their feelings and underlying needs.
