The Therapeutic Relationship in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Private Practice Mick Cooper is Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, where he is Director of the Centre for Research in Social and Psychological Transformation (CREST). Mick is a chartered psychologist, a UKCP registered psychotherapist, and a Fellow of the BACP. Mick is author and editor of a range of texts on person-centred, existential and relational approaches to therapy; including Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2005, SAGE, with Dave Mearns), Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (2011, SAGE, with John McLeod) and Existential Therapies (2nd edn, 2017, SAGE). Mick has led a series of research studies exploring the processes and outcomes of humanistic counselling with young people. Mick is the father of four children and lives in Brighton on the south coast of England.

The book explores different aspects of the therapeutic relationship in a very clear and accessible style which will be helpful to trainee and newly qualified therapists working from a range of approaches.  Part of the authors stated aims is ‘to address some of the most commonly asked questions around the therapeutic relationship’ and it was interesting for me to note at the start of a new academic year just how many of these questions were being explored during skills training, theoretical discussions and group supervision.  Each chapter is supported with helpful examples from practice as well as research evidence and I particularly liked the way the reader is invited to consider the discussion further through ‘personal reflection’ and the ‘ideas for research’ sections.  I appreciated the inclusion of dedicated chapters for working with children and young people and telephone and online counselling.

• PrefaceBoundaries and the therapeutic frameCollaborationEmpathic understanding and listeningCare and warmthBeing realRelating at depthTherapeutic relationships with children and young peopleTelephone and online counselling relationshipsConclusion