A base for a new beginning: benign regression in a GP practice

Abstract

The author describes the function of the General Practitioner (GP) practice in providing a secure base which can promote and sustain the development of a working alliance in the therapeutic work of counsellors practicing in the setting. The contribution of the counsellor in facilitating the development of a secure base through the relationships and reflective spaces that are established with GPs and other health care professionals is highlighted. Therapeutic techniques deriving from the work of Michael Balint, which foster an essential equality in the therapeutic relationship and value the patient's independent discoveries are outlined, and a case example illustrates how an analytic attitude based on these principles can on occasions result in a benign regression that results in a New Beginning for the patient. The GP setting which provides a secure base and an opportunity for milieu therapy is shown to have made a significant contribution to the therapeutic process.

Keywords:

• secure base
• benign and malignant regression
• new beginning
• milieu therapy
• independent discoveries

Notes

1. This case example has been carefully disguised to preserve confidentiality whilst retaining the authenticity of the original clinical material.

2. Hanna Levenson has illustrated a method of elaborating and working unobstrusively with a focus in a way that is very compatible with the empahasis that is placed in this article upon facilitating independent discoveries to augment a collaborative stance. See her DVD, Brief dyanmic therapy over time: psychotherpay in six sessions (2009).