Expanding My Perspective on the Case of Daniel

Abstract

I appreciate the reflections on the case of Daniel from Dr. Jill Bresler (2016) and from Dr. Stephen Holland (2016) —two experienced clinicians well versed in moving between psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral orientations to more comprehensively meet the needs of their patients.  Dr. Bresler’s response led me to think more about my development as a therapist and the process through which a psychoanalyst struggles to become more integrative. Dr. Holland’s response provided a helpful overview of additional cognitive techniques I might have used, but it also suggested that there may be limits to integrating certain aspects of different theories because of fundamental discrepancies.