Understanding and Enhancing Positive Regard in Psychotherapy

Barry A. Farber, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Farber received his PhD from Yale University. Clinically, he has had training in behavioral, client-centered, and psychodynamically oriented psychotherapies. His research and scholarly interests are in the areas of psychotherapy process and outcome, the impact on the therapist of working in psychotherapy, the development of psychological-mindedness, and the way in which interpersonal disclosure is influenced by emerging technologies. Dr. Farber was Director of Training in the clinical program at Teachers College for 2 years, from 99 to 2 , and recently, from 2 4, re-assumed that position. He's currently the editor of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session. He's also on the Executive Committee of Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological Association.Jessica Y. Suzuki, PhD, is a client-centered therapist trained in a relational psychodynamic approach. Dr. Suzuki received her PhD from Columbia University Teachers College. She believes that client outcome depends on the quality of patient-therapist collaboration and on therapeutic strategies. She incorporates CBT strategies to scaffold behavioral change and draws on mindfulness and experiential approaches to strengthen self-compassion, insight, and healing.Daisy Ort is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. Her research experience with the Psychotherapy, Affirmation, amp amp Disclosure Lab began as a Masters student at Teachers College in 2 3. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, she worked within New York City amp rsquo s mental health and legal systems conducting research at a criminal justice nonprofit, co-leading weekly support groups at federal jails, and facilitating forensic psychological evaluations for immigration purposes. As a graduate student, she is interested in better understanding relational aspects of psychotherapy across different contexts. Previous research projects assessed the role of informal supervision among psychotherapy trainees, and client disclosure in correctional settings. Currently, she and her research team are exploring factors associated with therapists' perceptions of positive regard, as well as clients amp rsquo experience of teletherapy since the onset of the COVID- 9 pandemic.

Under one cover this book offers a rich and thorough review of the history and philosophical roots of positive regard (PR), the related empirical research, and a practical guide for clinical uses. It provides both an amp ldquo inside amp rdquo (within the client centered) and broader pantheoretical perspective. The authors offer a deep appreciation of the value of PR and, at the same time, also carefully delineate the limits and challenges associated with the concept. This outstanding book is a rare combination of scientific rigor and tried clinical wisdom in an accessible and engaging format amp lt em amp gt an essential item in the library of every psychologist.   - Adam O. Horvath, Ed.D Professor Emeritus Simon Fraser University, Past President of Society for Psychotherapy Research, North American Chapter A very important book. There never has been as thorough a treatment of positive regard as there is in this book. It gets at the research, and it does a thorough review of its history, theoretical notions, and clinical use. I recommend it for practitioners, theorists, teachers, and researchers. Finally, it is readable and interesting. Even Carl Rogers amp rsquo s alter ego Mr. Rogers makes an appearance!   - Arthur C. Bohart, PhD, Professor Emeritus, California State University, Dominguez Hills The positive regard that these authors have for their readers, clients, students, and colleagues is apparent. This well-written book will help readers think about the role that a therapist's authenticity and well-being play in their work with clients. I recommend it to everyone who wants to become a better person and a better therapist.   - Clara E. Hill, PhD, Professor, University of Maryland, College Park

• AcknowledgmentsIntroduction Chapter : What Is Positive Regard, and Why is it Important?Chapter 2: Positive Regard and Treatment OutcomeChapter 3: Reconceptualizing Positive Regard: Let Me Count the WaysChapter 4: PR-Like Concepts Outside the Person-Centered CommunityChapter 5: Positive Regard Outside Psychotherapy: Another Rogers, Personal Relationships, and Social MediaChapter : Positive Regard: Clients amp rsquo Perspectives Chapter 7: Positive Regard: Therapists' Perspectives  Chapter 8: Clinical Examples of Positive Regard in Four Different Therapies Chapter 9: Positive Regard and Psychotherapy: Controversies, Criticisms, and ConclusionsReferencesIndexAbout the Authors