Alternatively, Diane could have structured the session in a different way:

Diane: Leslie, I’ve listened to several of your sessions before, but this one was different. I know one of your goals was related to pacing and you have been making good progress. In all the other tapes I have heard of your work, you have been doing a good job of pacing sessions, but with this client, you interrupted him a lot. Do you have any sense of why?

Leslie: I really don’t. I wasn’t aware that I was interrupting him in the session, but when I listened to the audio after, I really noticed how often I interrupted him. I’m not sure why, but I don’t like it.

Diane: I agree that you interrupted him frequently in this session; certainly more than you have with other clients. I don’t know if this will mean anything or not, but I’m wondering if this client reminds you of anyone from your past.

Leslie: (long pause)

Diane: I see that look on your face and it makes me think that something is coming to you?

Leslie: Wow, I hadn’t thought of it, but he reminds me of my younger brother in some ways, both his appearance and how he talks.

Diane: And what is your relationship with your brother like.

Leslie: Not good at all. Growing up, he was always trying to get everyone’s attention, so I often had to…

Diane: Yes?

Leslie: I often had to fight to get a word in edgewise…kind of like I’m doing with this client. I didn’t even catch that.