Abstract
This qualitative study investigated three novice counselors’ experiences and characterizations of therapeutic relationships. Thematic analyses of interviews and diaries revealed six common themes: (a) the centrality of supervision and training experiences to navigating interpersonal experiences with clients; (b) anxiety about counselors’ roles in therapeutic relationships; (c) the perception of the therapeutic relationship as less directive than outside (lay) helping relationships; (d) experimentation with different interpersonal styles; (e) awareness of countertransference; and, (f) impact of therapeutic relationships on outside relationships. Findings expand upon the therapeutic relationship as a focal point for the training and supervision of novice counselors.
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Schwing, A.E., LaFollette, J.R., Steinfeldt, J.A. et al. Novice Counselors’ Conceptualizations and Experiences of Therapeutic Relationships. Int J Adv Counselling 33, 51–63 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-010-9112-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-010-9112-2