Interpersonal Sensitivity of the Client in the Psychotherapeutic Process

This paper examines the functioning of the personality trait “interpersonal sensitivity” in the client position in the conditions of the psychotherapeutic process, namely within the framework of the “psychologist-client” therapeutic relationship. During the study, by analyzing the attitude of participants in contrasting groups to their own client experience, the features of the dynamics of the internal experiences of a client with increased interpersonal sensitivity in interaction with a psychologist were studied. The main methods used were the Russian-language adapted version of the interpersonal sensitivity questionnaire (Razvalyaeva, Polskaya, 2021), as well as questionnaires using the author’s structured reflective form. Based on the data obtained, manifestations of the client’s interpersonal sensitivity were identified in the form of sensitivity to: a) the therapist’s expert-evaluative position, b) the therapist’s directive style of interaction, c) the therapist’s neutrality and distancing in contact with the client, d) the therapist’s implicit attitudes about the client. In addition, a number of other features were highlighted. Based on the results of this study, practical recommendations for working with clients with increased interpersonal sensitivity were proposed.