In the therapy session when a client prioritizes the therapist's happiness over her own, what intervention is being used by the therapist?

When a client prioritizes the therapist's happiness over their own, this situation indicates a significant dynamic often rooted in the client's feelings of responsibility towards others, which may reflect a transference issue. In the context of therapy, transference is when clients project feelings, desires, or expectations from one relationship onto the therapist.

In this case, the therapist's interpretation of the transference allows them to recognize that the client's behavior—putting the therapist's needs above their own—could stem from past relationships or learned behaviors where the client may have felt the need to care for others at the expense of their own wellbeing. By addressing this dynamic, the therapist can help the client to explore and understand these patterns, enabling the client to prioritize their own feelings and needs in the therapeutic context and beyond.

Through this intervention, the therapist aims to shed light on the underlying issues driving the client’s behavior, guiding them toward healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. This awareness can empower the client to shift their perspective and foster a more balanced view of their relationships.