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the importance of theraputic relationship between client and therapist

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the importance of theraputic relationship between client and therapist
The following essay comprises of basic counselling skills pertaining to the significance of the therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist. The effectiveness of basic counselling will be reviewed as indicated by empirical literature. The ethical considerations in psychotherapy with regard to the therapist client relationship will also be included.
The therapeutic relationship is considered to be the most essential component in facilitating the successful resolution of a client’s presenting problems (Beutler, 1995). It can be defined as the relationship between client and therapist. According to Beutler, (1995) the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of psychotherapy. This relationship enables the therapist to induce and maintain the use and adjustments of treatments to ensure the client’s expectations are met (Beutler, 1995). The importance of selecting a therapist is crucial as it results in a therapist that works effectively with a client and reduces factors that may impede progress (Beutler 1995).The focus is on the client and the therapist attempts to apply all learned techniques and skills to gain effective understanding of the situation and guide the client to make their own choices which promote their overall well-being (Beutler, 1995). The acknowledgement of the nature of relationship variables enable the therapist to establish a therapeutive perspective on what treatments to be used for a successful outcome (Beutler, 1995).
Systematic eclectic psychotherapy (s.e.p) is a psychosocial intervention that collaborates theories, techniques and therapeutic practices from a variety of schools and emphasizes the bond between the therapist and client (Beutler, 1995). This approach defines three ways to promote the development of a therapeutic relationship (Beutler, 1995). The first way is therapist patient-matching which enables the client to seek a therapist that is easy for the client to communicate with but must have a different



References: Bond, E. J. (1996) Ethics and Human Well Being. Oxford : Blackwell. Beutler, L.E.; Consoli, A.J. & Williams, R.E. (1995). Intergrative and Eclectic Therapies in Practice. In A. E. Bergin and S. L. Garfield (Eds.), Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behaviour change. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Brammer, L.M.; Abrego, P.J. & Shstrom, E.L. (1993). Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy 6th EDitin Chapters 4&5. Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Nelson –Jones, R. (2003)._ Basic counselling skills: A help’s manual (pp11-15 and 28 -39) Tjeltveit, A. C. (1999). Ethics and Values in Psychotherapy. London : Routledge. Wiener, J. (Barnes, F P, Murdin L) (2001) Values and Ethics in the Practice of Psychotherapy and Counselling. Buckingham : Open University Press.

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