Does Counselling Work?

Abstract

Ruth, an upset, tearful woman of 72, tells the practice counselor about the death of her husband four weeks earlier. They were childless and had been married for 34 years. They were very happy together, she says. Her life now feels empty and futile. At home she cries without tears, but in the session she manages to shed tears. It is difficult to witness her loss. Ruth goes on to say that she wants to bring him back; at home she ‘talks ’ to her deceased husband and thinks she is going mad. Everything they did, they did for each other; they had wonderful times together; they laughed together and they cared for each other. She starts talking about the night he died and she weeps even more. She was with him in the hospital and she describes his last moments in detail. At the end of the session Ruth says she is grateful for the opportunity to talk and readily accepts another appointment a fortnight later.