A 38-year-old client seeks therapy because of recurring conf…
A 38-year-old client seeks therapy because of recurring conflicts with supervisors. The client describes multiple jobs in which they initially viewed supervisors as supportive and competent, but over time became convinced that each supervisor was controlling, critical, and intent on undermining them. During therapy, the client begins to express similar concerns about the therapist, stating, “I know you probably think I’m incompetent too, just like everyone else.” Further exploration reveals a childhood history of an unpredictable and highly critical father whose approval was rarely attainable. Which psychodynamic construct is most directly illustrated when the client assumes the therapist views them as incompetent despite evidence to the contrary?