The Case of “Rosa”: AEDP in the Realm of Cultural Diversity—One's New Language as a Vehicle for Exploring New Aspects of Identity

Abstract

Vigoda Gonzalez’s (2018) case study provides an excellent illustration of how AEDP leads to deep and effective treatment for a client with attachment trauma, leading not only to significant symptom reduction but also to profound change for the better. In this review, I provide additional observations and analysis of AEDP as reflected in this case, both in terms of specific interventions and the phenomenology of transformation. From the practice of multiculturalism in psychotherapy, I also highlight Vigoda Gonzalez’s bi-linguistic ability and bi-cultural background as facilitative for the therapy process. I examine the various factors that play into the impact of ethnicity/language-matching, and suggest that the lack of such matching is by no means an automatic hindrance for the therapy process. Similarly a client's choosing to speak in a language not native to them in therapy can be a vehicle for the exploration of new experiences, and new aspects of self. It is my belief that what is most important is for the culturally sensitive therapist to actively explore different means of communication within and beyond the boundaries of language, thus staying closely attuned to the client’s emotional experiences.