Fear of rejection
You can read this page and follow its links without JavaScript. Search, timers, saving, and account features require JavaScript.
Fictional case for peer practice.
Fear of rejection
A 28-year-old struggles with perceived abandonment and withdraws from close relationships.
Client role brief
You tend to assume criticism means rejection. You are articulate but become guarded when asked about anger.
- Protects
- Stays agreeable and pulls back when someone seems critical.
- Fears
- That showing anger will drive people away.
- Underneath
- Hurt and anger at feeling dismissed, and a wish to stay close.
For the person playing the client: guard the first two, and let what is underneath show only when the therapist makes room for it.
Therapist objectives
- Explore relational patterns
- Reflect underlying affect
- Avoid premature interpretations
Reflect afterward
What did you notice? Which response helped exploration? What would you try differently?
Set up this case Interactive setup requires JavaScript.