Using TAT Projective Interpretation with a Korean Client to Influence Disclosure in Therapy (Ce ARTICLE: 1 CE CREDIT: A CASE STUDY‪)‬

Abstract The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a semi-structured projective technique requiring a respondent to make up stories in response to ambiguous pictures. The person's interpretation of the pictures projects his or her personality into the content and structure of the stories. During the past 50 years, the TAT has been used extensively as a treatment approach to increase the therapeutic alliance between the client and the therapist. The use of projective techniques (TAT cards) to influence more spontaneous disclosure by a young, Korean client diagnosed with schizophrenia was investigated. Initially, two TAT cards (Card 3BM and Card 14) were given to be "interpreted" by the 25-year-old Korean female client, who was diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia. It was anticipated that this treatment technique would stimulate a "generalization effect" to occur by increasing the client's propensity to disclose other clinical matters germane to therapy. The initial goal of increased spontaneous disclosure was achieved, and a secondary gain of reduced inhibition (e.g., increased dignity of risk) was facilitated by the TAT treatment technique. Improvement in functioning was reflected in less rigid conduct and greater flexibility when new treatment tasks were introduced. The TAT card technique as a therapeutic procedure had a by-product of increasing the writer's "empathic cushion." This enabled the writer to better imagine, comprehend, and "be with" the client's subjective feelings and to develop, modify, and adjust further therapeutic considerations.