The Therapeutic Relationship

Question 1

Is developing a collaborative relationship with the client important?

Answer 1

It’s vital to develop a collaborative relationship with the client.

Question 2

What 4 assumptions does the therapist hold about the client?

Answer 2

• clients have the capability to behave effectively, even though it is temporarily blocked by problem-focused thinking.
  *clients often present only one side of themselves; counsellors can help them to examine other sides of the problem’.
• clients are doing their best to make change happen.
• clients want to change, can change, and will change.

Question 3

Do Counsellors provide advice or solutions to the client?

Answer 3

No, they work towards helping clients to step out of the problem-focused mindset and become more solution-focused, drawing upon their own strengths and capabilities.