A state of readiness: An exploration of the client’s role in meeting at relational depth.

TY - JOUR

T1 - A state of readiness: An exploration of the client’s role in meeting at relational depth.

AU - Knox, Rosanne

AU - Cooper, Mick

PY - 2011

Y1 - 2011

N2 - It is widely acknowledged that the therapeutic relationship is important to therapeutic outcome. In recent years, there has been additional evidence to suggest that specific, identifiable moments of relational depth between client and therapist can also have a major positive impact on the progress and outcome of therapy; however, the question of how such moments occur remains largely unexplored. Are they solely initiated by the therapist, or does the client have a role too? This article explores clients’ perceptions of the factors facilitating an experience of relational depth. Findings suggest that immediately prior to such an experience the clients themselves have reached a state of readiness, and as making a positive decision to bring their vulnerability to the fore in the therapeutic relationship, thereby facilitating a potential moment of change. Findings are discussed in relation to contemporary theory with implications for practice given.

AB - It is widely acknowledged that the therapeutic relationship is important to therapeutic outcome. In recent years, there has been additional evidence to suggest that specific, identifiable moments of relational depth between client and therapist can also have a major positive impact on the progress and outcome of therapy; however, the question of how such moments occur remains largely unexplored. Are they solely initiated by the therapist, or does the client have a role too? This article explores clients’ perceptions of the factors facilitating an experience of relational depth. Findings suggest that immediately prior to such an experience the clients themselves have reached a state of readiness, and as making a positive decision to bring their vulnerability to the fore in the therapeutic relationship, thereby facilitating a potential moment of change. Findings are discussed in relation to contemporary theory with implications for practice given.

KW - clients role, psychotherapeutic processes, treatment outcomes, 2011, Client Attitudes, Psychotherapeutic Processes, Treatment Outcomes, 2011

M3 - Article

SN - 0022-1678

VL - 51

SP - 61

EP - 81

JO - JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY

JF - JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY

IS - 1

ER -