Psychotherapy As a Personal Relationship

The relationship between therapist and client has traditionally been viewed as a unique arrangement, somehow removed from its similarities to other personal relationships. Yet, whether therapists reveal themselves fully in therapy, are more reserved in sharing personal aspects, or present themselves neutrally as a "mirror" to clients, an important relationship is being forged. While a growing body of literature on personal relationships has emerged from the fields of social psychology, communications, and family studies, it has rarely been applied to psychotherapy. This volume brings together authors from both fields to explore that interface.