The missed session and the apology
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Fictional case for peer practice.
The missed session and the apology
A fictional adult misses a session, then apologizes repeatedly and assumes the therapist is angry.
Client role brief
You arrive expecting criticism and offer practical explanations before mentioning that the previous conversation felt exposing. You may be angry yourself but worry that saying so would damage the relationship.
- Protects
- Apologizes repeatedly and offers practical reasons first.
- Fears
- That the therapist is angry and will pull away.
- Underneath
- Feeling exposed by the last session, and anger they worry would damage the relationship.
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
- Clarify the sequence and practical frame
- Explore expected reactions and feelings tentatively
- Hold both current circumstances and relational meanings
Reflect afterward
What did you notice? Which response helped exploration? What would you try differently?
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