Stephen Paul has recently retired as  Director of The Centre for Psychological Therapies at Leeds Metropolitan University after 20 years of  service.   He is a client-centred psychotherapist. He is co-editor of The Therapeutic Relationship: Themes and Perspectives (PCCS , 2008) and  The Therapeutic Relationship Handbook: Theory and (McGraw-Hill /OUP ,2014). Stephen was instrumental in developing a Relational Approach to Therapy with Geoff Pelham (1999).. He has worked extensively in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry. He has been  head of a therapeutic school  and  was Director of the VSO programme in Bhutan. Stephen now writes, practises therapy, supervision and coaching, and provides training.

Introduction: The therapeutic relationship in counselling and psychotherapy
Introducing the Therapeutic Relationship
Introducing the therapeutic relationship
What the research tells us
The relationship in different modalities
A relational approach to therapy
Developmental factors in a relational approach
Establishing and Maintaining the Relationship
Establishing the relationship
Developing the relationship
Challenges to the relationship: When things get tricky
Ending the relationship
The Relationship in Context
The therapist's self in relationship
Working with difference within the therapeutic relationship: A relational perspective
Developing your Practice
Appendix 1 Glossary of terms
Appendix 2 Conclusions and Recommendations of the Interdivisional (APA Divisions 12 & 29) Task Force on Evidence-Based Therapy Relationships

The therapeutic relationship is considered to be the most significant factor in achieving positive therapeutic change. As such, it is essential that trainee and practising therapists are able to facilitate a strong working alliance with each of their clients. This book will help them do just that, by offering a practical and evidence-based guide to all aspects of the therapeutic relationship in counselling and psychotherapy. Cross-modal in its approach, this book examines the issues impacting on the therapeutic relationship true to all models of practice.

Content covered includes:

Using examples, points for reflection and chapter aims and summaries to help consolidate learning, the authors break down the complex and often daunting topic of the therapeutic relationship, making this essential reading for trainee and practising therapists, as well as those working in a wider range of health, social care and helping relationships.