This book is part of the series Core Concepts in Therapy which takes importantconcepts in psychotherapy and counselling which we call collectively therapyand as... » 

This book is part of the series Core Concepts in Therapy which takes importantconcepts in psychotherapy and counselling which we call collectively therapyand asks how they are used in different orientations. For this purpose eachvolume is written by two authors from contrasting approaches. The presentvolume deals with what is perhaps the central question in therapy who is thetherapist? And how does that actually come across and manifest itself in thetherapeutic relationship? A good deal of the thinking about this inpsychoanalysis has come under the heading of countertransference. Much of thethinking in the humanistic approaches has come under such headings as empathygenuineness nonpossessive warmth presence personhood. These two streams ofthinking about the therapists own self provide much material for the bulk ofthe book but other aspects of the therapist also enter the picture includingthe way a therapist is trained and uses supervision in order to make fulleruse of her or his own reactions responses and experience in working with anyone client.The book is aimed primarily at counsellors and psychotherapists or trainees inthese disciplines. It has been written in a way that is accessible to studentsat all levels but it is also of particular value to existing practitionerswith an interest in the problems of integration.Most therapists regardless of theoretical approach intuitively recognizethat their sense of self intimately influences their work. Using this elementaltruth as a launching pad Rowan and Jacobs articulate the different avenuesthrough which the self informs therapy and how each can be used to improvetherapeuticeffectiveness. Along the way the authors provide a masterfulexposition of transference countertransference and projective identificationthrowing much needed light on topics that have long been mired in controversyand confusion.The book is a priceless resource for experienced «