Exploratory Therapy in Two‐Plus‐One Sessions II ‐ A Single Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This paper presents a single case study employing a model of brief Exploratory therapy, termed two‐plus‐one therapy, in which a client, Doris, presenting with an intense fear of thunder, was seen for two sessions one week apart followed by third session three months later. The therapist was Dr Robert Hobson and the three sessions were videotaped. The paper presents five central components of the model: (1) focus on the client's affect; (2) identification of a focal issue; (3) personal meaning of dream content; (4) emphasis on the interpersonal process in the ‘here and now’; and (5) identification of a narrative point of origin. These components are presented with extensive use of verbatim transcripts of the sessions to illustrate these components together with the techniques used in this mode of brief therapy. The changes achieved, and not achieved, in the client's pathology are discussed.