Ruptures in Psychotherapy: Experiences of Therapist Trainees with Different Attachment Styles

Abstract

In this study, we explored therapist trainees’ experiences of rupture events in psychotherapy. Therapists-in-training were interviewed about the antecedents, management, and consequences of a rupture with a client. Data was analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR; Hill et al., 1997; 2005). Therapists typically reported broad (i.e., session started in tense state vs. typical session) rather than specific antecedents to the rupture. In terms of management, therapists typically used immediacy and explored the rupture further as repair attempts. Negative consequences included therapists having anxiety about continued work with client and client not attending the next session. However, therapists also reported positive consequences, which included the therapeutic work becoming more productive. There were several meaningful differences found between attachment style subgroups. Implications for future research, doctoral training, and psychotherapy practice are offered.