Читать книгу Counseling and Psychotherapy - Группа авторов - Страница 89

Absent of a growth-fostering relationship in a person’s life, RCT speaks to the notion of the central relational paradox, a particularly salient concept that helps counselors understand their clients, their clients’ relationship patterns, and their histories (Jordan, 2018). The central relational paradox refers to a dynamic in which clients, in the face of chronic disconnections, may become increasingly afraid of connecting with others in meaningful ways despite their desire to do so. Because of painful relational histories, their interactions are driven by fear and self-protection. They may behave in ways they believe others expect them to behave, and rather than representing themselves and their thoughts and feelings fully, they keep important parts of themselves out of the relationship. For example, they may say they are fine when they are not, or, in their attempt to please, they may accept treatment or conditions they find unacceptable (Jordan & Duffey, 2020). These responses interfere with people’s ability to be authentic and to enjoy a shared mutuality and may result in even more disconnection and an increased sense of isolation.