Luborsky's structured method for identifying a repeated relationship theme through Wish, Response of Other, and Response of Self.
Step-by-step guide
- Collect relationship episodes
- Identify the client's wish in each episode
- Identify the response of the other
- Identify the response of self
- Find the repeated theme
- Formulate W-RO-RS with the client
When to use
- When the client's relational pattern repeats
- When treatment focus needs empirical grounding
- When several episodes can be compared
Key phrases
You want closeness, expect rejection, and then withdraw.
Follow-up questions
What did you want from them?
How did they respond?
How did you respond?
Alternative phrasings
This is the relationship theme we keep seeing.
Let us code the episode: W, RO, RS.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not reduce the client to a formula
- ⚠️ Use concrete episodes, not global impressions
- ⚠️ Check the formulation collaboratively
Source: Luborsky, L. (1984); Luborsky & Crits-Christoph
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.