On the Origins of Clinical Interventions

I use my own experience in responding to Dr. Shay's assignment to illustrate key relational principles. Clinical data resides in an intersubjective field in which the therapist's psychology-including its irrational and preverbal elements such as those that appear in a dream-provides entry points and remains prominent in understanding and intervening. A troubling dream clarified my emotional reactions to the assignment, which progressed from resentment, mental isolation, and refusal to guilt, curiosity, and concern. The dream had purpose to reconnect me to my commitment to the Special Issue. I could fulfill Dr. Shay's assignment of addressing the evolution of my thinking. I then felt free to offer a relational path through this difficult, if imaginary, group.