The Therapeutic Use of Self in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Synopsis

This book examines the 'therapeutic use of self', and the intertwining of the therapist's professional self and their personal self.

Combining practical illustrations and case studies with theory and research, the book explores a number of questions, such as:

·        What are our personal values and attitudes and how do these manifest in our work with clients?

·        How do we interact with and impact others, and in what ways might this help or hinder our therapeutic work?

·        What might we represent to the client as a result of our particular social background, and how might this impact on the power dynamics within client relationships?

Learning features include Practical Applications, Research boxes, Case Examples, Critical Reflections, Discussion Questions and Further Reading. 

This is a must-read for any students studying professional practice, counselling process, ethics, skills, working online/remotely, the therapeutic relationship, and more. 

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of the Self in Counselling and Psychotherapy

* Introduces the concept of the therapeutic use of self, where the therapist's personality, values, and experiences are integrated into the therapeutic process.
* Highlights the need for therapists to be authentic, congruent, and self-aware to foster a genuine and effective therapeutic relationship.
* Example: A therapist who has experienced anxiety can draw on their personal understanding to support a client with similar struggles.

Chapter 2: Self-Awareness in the Therapeutic Relationship

* Emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for therapists to understand their own biases, limitations, and strengths.
* Discusses techniques such as journaling, introspection, and supervision to enhance self-reflection and growth.
* Example: A therapist may notice that they become defensive when a client criticizes their approach and use this awareness to explore their own triggers.

Chapter 3: Using the Self as a Therapeutic Tool

* Explores the various ways therapists can use their self as a tool in therapy, including sharing personal experiences, using humor, and embodying empathy.
* Highlights the ethical considerations and boundaries that guide the appropriate use of self-disclosure.
* Example: A therapist shares a brief anecdote about their experience with grief to normalize and validate a client's feelings of loss.

Chapter 4: The Counsellor's Values and Beliefs

* Recognizes the role of the therapist's values and beliefs in shaping the therapeutic process.
* Encourages therapists to critically examine their values and ensure they align with ethical principles and the needs of their clients.
* Example: A therapist who believes in the importance of autonomy may support a client's decision to make a challenging life choice, even if it differs from their own views.

Chapter 5: Countertransference and the Therapeutic Relationship

* Defines countertransference as the therapist's emotional reactions to the client that may be influenced by their own past experiences and unconscious biases.
* Discusses the importance of managing countertransference to maintain objectivity and avoid harming the therapeutic relationship.
* Example: A therapist may experience feelings of irritation towards a client who reminds them of a difficult person in their own life, and use supervision to explore and manage these reactions.

Chapter 6: Using the Self to Facilitate Change

* Outlines the role of the therapist's self in facilitating client change through empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard.
* Explores the use of self-disclosure, self-reflection, and humor to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
* Example: A therapist demonstrates empathy by mirroring the client's body language and using validating statements to show they understand their perspective.