Abstract
This qualitative study investigated three novice counselors’ experiences and characterizations of therapeutic relationships.
Thematic analyses of interviews and diaries revealed six common themes: (a) the centrality of supervision and training experiences
to navigating interpersonal experiences with clients; (b) anxiety about counselors’ roles in therapeutic relationships; (c)
the perception of the therapeutic relationship as less directive than outside (lay) helping relationships; (d) experimentation
with different interpersonal styles; (e) awareness of countertransference; and, (f) impact of therapeutic relationships on
outside relationships. Findings expand upon the therapeutic relationship as a focal point for the training and supervision
of novice counselors.
Thematic analyses of interviews and diaries revealed six common themes: (a) the centrality of supervision and training experiences
to navigating interpersonal experiences with clients; (b) anxiety about counselors’ roles in therapeutic relationships; (c)
the perception of the therapeutic relationship as less directive than outside (lay) helping relationships; (d) experimentation
with different interpersonal styles; (e) awareness of countertransference; and, (f) impact of therapeutic relationships on
outside relationships. Findings expand upon the therapeutic relationship as a focal point for the training and supervision
of novice counselors.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10447-010-9112-2
- Authors
- Alison E. Schwing, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, USA
- Julie R. LaFollette, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, USA
- Jesse A. Steinfeldt, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, USA
- Y. Joel Wong, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, USA
- Journal International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
- Online ISSN 1573-3246
- Print ISSN 0165-0653