An Introduction to the Therapeutic Relationship in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Stephen Paul · Divine Charura

Oct 2014 · SAGE

About this ebook

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.

About the author

Stephen Paul has recently retired as Director of The Centre for Psychological Therapies at Leeds Metropolitan University after 20 years of service. He is a client-centred psychotherapist. He is co-editor of The Therapeutic Relationship: Themes and Perspectives (PCCS, 2008) and The Therapeutic Relationship Handbook: Theory and (McGraw-Hill /OUP,2014). Stephen was instrumental in developing a Relational Approach to Therapy with Geoff Pelham (1999).. He has worked extensively in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry. He has been head of a therapeutic school and was Director of the VSO programme in Bhutan. Stephen now writes, practises therapy, supervision and coaching, and provides training.

Divine Charura is professor of counselling psychology and programme director for the doctorate in counselling psychology at York St John University. He is a chartered counselling psychologist and registered psychotherapist and has co-authored and edited numerous books in counselling and psychotherapy.