Citation:Schwing, A. E., LaFollette, J. R., Steinfeldt, J. A., & Wong, Y. J. (2011). Novice counselors’ conceptualizations and experiences of the therapeutic alliance. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 33, 51-63.
Rights:Copyright Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2010
Type:Article
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.
