Life curve as a possible means of finding responses in therapy. A dysfunctional family as a potentiating factor for the development of addictive behaviour
Abstract
A child's disrupted relationship with its parents is a serious pathogenic factor in its mental maturation which is most prevalent during puberty and adolescence. This case study of a patient in an after-care programme following residential alcohol treatment documents the effect of a dysfunctional family marked by a tragic loss.
This may be particularly reflected in his constantly seeking answers to fundamental questions, such as those concerning his place in society, what to do with his life, and how to deal with (among others) interpersonal relationships. The case study was written on the basis of a six-month follow-up of a patient in an after-care programme of a psychotherapeutic centre.
The case study includes systematic work with the life curve. Authentic records (the patient's direct speech or paraphrases of his direct speech) are used in the text to provide an accurate description of the patient's feelings and state of mind.