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claire60's review
3.0
An important book that examines the idea that the relationship between client and therapist is fundamental for good therapy to take place. Through the course of the book there are some interesting case studies between male therapist and male client, both cases were quite extreme and therefore the ways that the relationship was built reflected this in terms of the language used and the way the therapist shared themselves. I found myself longing for other examples of more ordinary therapy encounters that most therapists are likely to encounter and definitely would have welcomed a more nuanced exploration of working with difference, be that gender or ethnicity. At times I felt that Mearns is a little quick to blow his own trumpet, which I found distracting. The last chapter says its about a revolution but again I was wanting more diversity.
In summary I didn't love it the way that some people appear to, I did enjoy some of the chapters and the way it explores and encourages a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process and how therapists can be with their clients.
In summary I didn't love it the way that some people appear to, I did enjoy some of the chapters and the way it explores and encourages a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process and how therapists can be with their clients.
claudiap's review
5.0
Rereading this for a work related presentation. This second time around, I liked it even more. A good resume about relational depth. It is really easy to read. However, I would love to read a bit more of the authors work with clients and their difficulties. I found I learned so much with this chapters.
bookwomble's review
5.0
I loved this book! Whilst dealing with a technical aspect of person-centered theory (examining Rogers' notion of presence and advocating the blending of the seperate 'core conditions' into an holistic therapist attitude), the presentation is immediate and personable, the chapter divisions building one upon the other, but discrete enough to facilitate individual referencing later on.
The core of the book for me are the two chapters of client-therapist transcripts, which clearly illustrate the concept in vivo. Comfortingly for the trainee counsellor I presently am, Mearns is not afraid to show where he gets it 'wrong'. When the therapeutic relationship is there, when client and counsellor have trust in each other, getting it 'wrong' isn't a catastrophe and, if acknowledged and worked with, can act to deepen the relationship (just as long as it's not too often wrong). Phew!
This is undoubtedly one of the books I will be returning to again and again.
The core of the book for me are the two chapters of client-therapist transcripts, which clearly illustrate the concept in vivo. Comfortingly for the trainee counsellor I presently am, Mearns is not afraid to show where he gets it 'wrong'. When the therapeutic relationship is there, when client and counsellor have trust in each other, getting it 'wrong' isn't a catastrophe and, if acknowledged and worked with, can act to deepen the relationship (just as long as it's not too often wrong). Phew!
This is undoubtedly one of the books I will be returning to again and again.
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