While listening to his client talk about her favourite memories from childhood, Dr. Peabody begins to notice that whenever his patient's thoughts approach her sister, she quickly changes the topic and talks about something else. When Dr. Peabody begins probing her memories and thoughts about her sister, his client starts missing therapy appointments often cancelling without notice. This defensive manoeuvre is known as ______________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Resistance is a psychological defense mechanism often encountered in psychotherapy, where clients avoid certain topics, memories, or feelings, indicating an unconscious attempt to protect themselves from distressing thoughts or feelings. In this scenario, the client's avoidance of discussing her sister and subsequent cancellations of therapy appointments when probed about her sister are indicative of resistance.

While Listening to His Client Talk About Her Favourite Memories