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An Introduction to the Therapeutic Relationship in Counselling and Psychotherapy
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An Introduction to the Therapeutic Relationship in Counselling and Psychotherapy



October 2014 | 304 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

The therapeutic relationship is considered to be the most significant factor in achieving positive therapeutic change. As such, it is essential that trainee and practising therapists are able to facilitate a strong working alliance with each of their clients. This book will help them do just that, by offering a practical and evidence-based guide to all aspects of the therapeutic relationship in counselling and psychotherapy. Cross-modal in its approach, this book examines the issues impacting on the therapeutic relationship true to all models of practice.

Content covered includes:

- The history of the therapeutic relationship
- The place of the therapeutic relationship in a range of therapy settings, including IAPT
- Concepts and practical skills essential for establishing and maintaining a successful working alliance
- The application of the therapeutic relationship to a variety of professional roles in health and social care
- Practice issues including potential challenges to the therapeutic relationship, working with diversity and personal and professional development
- Research and new developments

Using examples, points for reflection and chapter aims and summaries to help consolidate learning, the authors break down the complex and often daunting topic of the therapeutic relationship, making this essential reading for trainee and practising therapists, as well as those working in a wider range of health, social care and helping relationships.

 
Introduction: The therapeutic relationship in counselling and psychotherapy
 
Introducing the Therapeutic Relationship
 
Introducing the therapeutic relationship
 
What the research tells us
 
The relationship in different modalities
 
A relational approach to therapy
 
Developmental factors in a relational approach
 
Establishing and Maintaining the Relationship
 
Establishing the relationship
 
Developing the relationship
 
Challenges to the relationship: When things get tricky
 
Ending the relationship
 
The Relationship in Context
 
The therapist’s self in relationship
 
Working with difference within the therapeutic relationship: A relational perspective
 
Developing your Practice
 
Appendix 1 Glossary of terms
 
Appendix 2 Conclusions and Recommendations of the Interdivisional (APA Divisions 12 & 29) Task Force on Evidence-Based Therapy Relationships

Stephen Paul and Divine Charura are to be congratulated on producing this almost 'encyclopaedic' work reflecting upon the importance and complexity of the relationship within therapy. Suitable for students and experienced therapists alike, this text is illuminated with 'clips' relating to client and practitioner experiences, theoretical issues and research outcomes. Most importantly, the authors have provided a non-theoretical school/ modality based approach in full recognition of the therapeutic equivalency across therapeutic styles and in pursuit of exploring and  articulating the critically important element of relationship in therapy. A wonderful resource and contribution to current professional literature.

Colin Lago
Fellow of BACP

This book is a gem. It is well written, easy to read and underpinned by a deep scholarship.  It clearly draws on its authors’ lengthy experiences of counselling practice, supervision and training.  Rightly, they put the therapeutic relationship at the heart of the successful counselling process and clearly show how techniques from differing approaches to therapy can be appropriately used. This is a book that will appeal to both trainees and experienced practitioners of counselling, psychotherapy and related disciplines.

William West
Reader in Counselling Studies, Manchester University

There is something for almost everyone here. There are twenty-five chapters, divided into five sections, which between them cover almost the whole field of psychotherapy. 

John Rowan
ACPNL Magazine

Highly recommended for first year Trainee Psychologists learning about the therapeutic relationship.

Dr Jessica McCarrick
Department of Psychology, University of Teesside
December 14, 2016

Good source for key concepts in considering relationships.

Ms Victoria Jones
School of Care Sciences, University of South Wales (Glamorgan)
June 22, 2016

A clear and well written text book which demonstrates the importance of the therapeutic relationship and is therefore an ideal book for students new to counselling.

Mr Lawrence Railton
Counselling, University of Wales, Trinity St David
September 20, 2015

A valuable contribution to this important area of training

Mr Gerald Willmore
Chair of Professional Standards, National Counselling Society
June 10, 2015

Really good, thorough overview of different relationship modes.

Dr Sarah Taylor
Counselling & Psychotherapy with Children and Young People , Northern Guild of Psychotherapy
February 4, 2016

This is very well written and provides a very thorough and grounded overview of the different modalities in psychotherapy. The scientific background is strong. Provides good insights in the workings of the therapeutic alliance.

Dr Veronica Janssen
Health Psychology, Leiden University
November 28, 2014

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ISBN: 9781446256640
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ISBN: 9781446256633
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