ABSTRACT
The psychotherapeutic context, the abiding stance of the therapist, is singularly important in treatment embracing an understanding of character structure. The model of character structure used here is derived from an adaptation of Piaget’s work.

SUMMARY
Previously we presented our understanding of the three types of character structure. 1,2 A modified Piagetian framework provided the theoretical base for understanding the development and organization of character structure. In this paper we discuss how this organization impacts treatment.
Two clinical vignettes illustrate the need for a therapist to provide a psychotherapeutic context that is appropriate for a given character structure. We contend that the psychotherapeutic context. The abiding stance taken by the therapist should be consonant with the character structure of the patient since the patient processes all interventions, including the psychotherapeutic context, in accordance with his character structure.
Our Piagetian-based model of character structure which dissects basic abiding character types is significant for psychotherapy insofar as it helps therapists to distinguish different types of patients and to understand why different types of patients experience a given psychotherapeutic context differently.
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