Based on the stamps from the significant-other list — a prediction of what the client will expect from the therapist. The hypothesis guides the use of DPI and IDE.
Step-by-step guide
- Analyze the stamps from the significant-other list
- Pick out the pattern: what is shared? Which expectations repeat?
- Formulate: "This client will expect me to be critical / rejecting / controlling"
- Record it: a working hypothesis, not a diagnosis
- Check on every session: is it confirmed?
- Discuss with the client: "I noticed you expect [X] from me. Is that from the significant-other list?"
When to use
- After compiling the significant-other list
- Update as the work develops
Key phrases
Given the people on your list, my working hypothesis is that a part of you will expect me to be critical, as your mother was. That is not a diagnosis — it is a prediction we are going to test together, session by session.
Follow-up questions
Does this prediction ring true in how you meet me?
When did you feel that expectation on me most strongly today?
Is there a different expectation I should add?
What would help us notice in real time when the hypothesis is active?
Alternative phrasings
If I am wrong about the expectation, tell me — the hypothesis should be yours.
We will revisit this list as the work deepens.
Warnings
- ⚠️ A hypothesis is not the truth. Be ready to revise it.
- ⚠️ The client is not their stamps.
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.