The Therapeutic Relationship in the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies

Although the therapeutic relationship is a major contributor to therapeutic outcomes, the cognitive behavioral psychotherapies have not explored this aspect in any detail. This book addresses this shortfall and explores the therapeutic relationship from a range of different perspectives within cognitive behavioral and emotion focused therapy traditions. The Therapeutic Relationship in the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies covers new research on basic models of the process of the therapeutic relationship, and explores key issues related to developing emotional sensitivity, empathic understanding, mindfulness, compassion and validation within the therapeutic relationship. The contributors draw on their extensive experience in different schools of cognitive behavioral therapy to address their understanding and use of the therapeutic relationship.Subjects covered include: * the process and changing nature of the therapeutic relationship over time * recognizing and resolving ruptures in the therapeutic alliance * the role of evolved social needs and compassion in the therapeutic relationship * the therapeutic relationship with difficult to engage clients * self and self-reflection in the therapeutic relationship. This book will be of great interest to all psychotherapists who want to deepen their understanding of the therapeutic relationship, especially those who wish to follow cognitive behavioral approaches.

Paul Gilbert is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Mental Health Research Unit at Kingsway Hospital, University of Derby and Derbyshire Mental Health Services Trust. Robert L. Leahy is Clinical Professor of psychology in psychiatry at the Weill-Cornell University Medical College. He is the founder and director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy and President of the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy.

"This book will be useful to all psychotherapists who want to deepen their knowledge and understanding, and especially those who are following cognitive-behavioural approaches." - Francine Brett, Therapy Today "Revolutionary and Evolutionary." - APA Review of Books, PsycCRITIQUES, Contemporary Psychology "The book will help cognitive behavior therapists to recast the therapeutic relationship in an information-processing context. It might help therapists to examine the therapeutic process from a holistic perspective and to incorporate historical and cultural contexts in understanding the role of the therapeutic relationship in healing and promoting behavior change. As the concluding authors urge, 'It is time for cognitive therapists to engage in self-reflection' to indentify substance differences and promote an integrative approach to the practise of psychotherapy." - Dr. Jean Lau Chin, Dean of California School of Professional Psychology, part of Alliant International University, USA "...Gilbert and Leahy hav