A CASE ILLUSTRATION OF RESISTANCE FROM A COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE

Brian, a 36-year-old, single, white male, entered cognitive therapy in response to a depressive episode, precipitated by the loss of a job. In addition to his Major Depression, the client met diagnostic criteri a for Dysthymia and Personality Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. The first three sessions focused on Brian's unemployment crisis and relate d dysphoria, as well as his passive-avoidant approach to life. Brian c ollaborated with the therapist in formulating a treatment plan and qui ckly found a new job, whereupon he abruptly withdrew from therapy. Sho rtly thereafter, Brian contacted the therapist in a renewed state of ' 'crisis,'' and returned for a fourth session. The therapist attempted to draw a link between Brian's passive-avoidant style and his vulnerab ility to problems such as those he was currently experiencing. The cli ent had difficulty understanding the therapist's thread of logic, beca me somewhat defensive and combative, and did not return for further se ssions. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.