Week 3: The Therapeutic Relationship

Question 1

Empathy as a counsellor

Answer 1

The counsellor objectively experiences the client’s perspective

Question 2

Three Stages of Barett & Lannard (1993) Empathy Model

Answer 2

1. Empathic resonance
2. Empathic communication
3. Perceived or received empathy

Question 3

Things that interfere with empathy

Answer 3

Experience too far from own
Fear that we might be condoning behaviour 
Our own discomfort
Need to fix things
Attributing own qualities/experiences onto the client
When we seek to diagnose 
Belief that empathy is finite 
Worry that people will wallow
Need to be a rock star counsellor

Question 4

Unconditional Positive regard

Answer 4

Non-judgemental acceptance.
Valuing the client as person.
A belief that people have their own resources.
Showing optimism that the client can create positive change.

Question 5

Things that interfere with UPR

Answer 5

Our own values/beliefs
Looking for what’s wrong with people
Fear of condoning behaviour we don’t agree with
Idea that we have to like everyone

Question 6

Genuineness & congruence

Answer 6

Authenticity
Self-awareness
Congruence between words and actions
Being fully present
Sensitive, open-ended, tentative communication of perceptions
Ability to authentically affirm, validate & encourage

Question 7

Praise, applauding and cheerleading - alternatives & why is it bad?

Answer 7

Why is it bad?

Judgemental.
Invites people to please us.
Send messages about our position.

Alternatives:

Acknowledging the positive effect people have on their own lives

Question 8

Collaborative Relationship

Answer 8

Client and counsellor join in mutual inquiry
Listen so we hear the whole story
Power
Transparency

Question 9

Conditions for constructive personality change to occur (Rogers, C. R., 2007)

Answer 9

1. Two persons are in psychological contact (minimal relationship exists)
2. Client is in a state of incongruence, being vulnerable or anxious (the client’s expressed problem is incongruent with the actual problem?)
3. Therapist is congruent, genuine, integrated person - is expressing the most true version of themselves
4. Therapist experiences unconditional positive regard for client
5. Therapist experiences empathetic & accurate understand of client’s awareness of their own experience
6. The client perceives empathetic understanding & unconditional positive regard from the therapist

Question 10

Desirable counselling qualities - integrative approach

Answer 10

1. Congruent
2. Empathetic
3. Non-judgemental positive regard
4. Attentive, understanding & supportive
5. Collaborative & respectful
6. Purposeful use of counselling skills