Final answer:
The most likely reason for the client's assertion that the abuse never happened is avoidance of the painful subject, a form of psychological defense mechanism to protect from distress. Another consideration is the possibility of false memory syndrome influencing the client's narrative change due to the potential for memory distortion during therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason for the client's change of opinion and stating that the abuse never happened could be related to avoidance of the painful subject. When therapeutic work intensifies and becomes emotionally difficult, individuals may resort to various coping mechanisms to protect themselves from pain and distress. It's possible that in an attempt to deal with the discomfort associated with confronting the abuse, the client may be unconsciously minimizing or denying the experience, which is a form of psychological defense mechanism. This is not to say that the client has forgiven the abuser, or that the client was never really abused, but rather, it is a reflection of the mind's complex strategies to avoid re-traumatization.
It is also important to consider the phenomenon of false memory syndrome and the skepticism around the idea that people can repress and then recover memories of traumatic events. The research by Loftus and others suggests that the therapy process itself, especially techniques like hypnosis or guided imagery, can sometimes create memories that are not accurate reflections of past events.
Therefore, a client may also shift their narrative due to the potential for memory distortion or misinformation effects. However, research by Briere and Conte found that a significant portion of adults receiving treatment for sexual abuse had self-reported amnesia for the incidents, indicating that forgetting such experiences is not uncommon and could be a natural defense mechanism against traumatic memories.