Relationships With Clients

Colleen M. Peterson

The therapeutic relationship is central to counselors' work with clients. The therapeutic relationship is the association, rapport, and connection between a counselor and client. The establishment of the therapeutic relationship begins with the joining process, wherein the counselor and client get to know each other and clarify the need and purpose for counseling. The therapeutic relationship includes such things as unconditional regard for the client, placing the needs of the client first, engaging the client in a positive and collaborative manner, understanding the client and his or her context as it pertains to the presenting problem, mutually agreeing upon treatment goals and interventions, and empowering the client. In essence, the therapeutic relationship is the interaction, connection, and process between counselor and client in efforts to bring about the desired results in therapy. Understanding the roles that a counselor plays and that the counselor may simultaneously engage in two or more ...

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