Practitioners across many counselling approaches acknowledge that the therapeutic relationship is central to therapy and its outcomes. This book argues that the therapeutic relationship cannot be reduced to particular words or therapeutic skills, but is a relationship encounter that promotes dialogue, contact and process. In each chapter, experts in different fields interpret the therapeutic relationship through the lens of their own modality, offering:

Summaries of the key theoretical and research bases
Example case studies of therapeutic interventions that illuminate key relational components of the approach and the development and management of the therapeutic relationship

Study of the limitations, challenges and complexities of maintaining a therapeutic relationship

Exploration of new developments in working with clients - capturing work that the authors and other colleagues have been involved in developing in that area The Therapeutic Relationship Handbook is a broad ranging guide for students as well as both new and experienced practitioners. Divine Charura is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK. He is an Adult Psychotherapist who works in the NHS, voluntary sector and in private practice, as well as an independent trainer, supervisor and coach. Stephen Paul is a client-centred psychotherapist, practising in the areas of therapy, supervision and coaching. He retired as Director of The Centre for Psychological Therapies at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK in 2012 after 20 years of service. "The editors and authors of this book have produced a volume of theory and practice that has tremendous breadth and scope and that is a thorough analysis of the many facets of the therapeutic relationship. Rich in knowledge and practical applications, the authors demonstrate not only an understanding of their field, but also an ability to communicate this with vignettes and examples that are relevant and enable understanding for both students and practitioners alike. The limitations and challenges of each approach are recognised and a detailed list of further references is given for the reader to explore if desired. I highly recommend this book for both students and practitioners and congratulate the editors and authors on their work. I will certainly use it in our Counselling Education Programs for both Bachelor and Master of Counselling students."
Dr Ann Moir-Bussy, Program Leader and Senior Lecturer Counselling, University of Sunshine Coast. Queensland, Australia