This engaging new book presents a ‘child-centred’ model of therapy that is thoroughly person-centred in its values. Establishing the roots of child-centred therapy in both child development theories and the Rogerian model, David Smyth demonstrates that counselling the person-centred way is exceptionally relevant to young people. The book further develops child-centred therapy theory and practice, applying the model to real-life practice with children and young people, whether in play, school, organisations or with those with special needs. It also explores the complex professional issues so critical with this age group, including challenging boundaries, establishing an effective relationship with parents and other primary carers, legal and ethical considerations, and multi-professional practice. The author's warm, accessible style conveys his passionate conviction that the person-centred approach can provide a strong foundation for child therapy practice. His book introduces humanistic counselling and psychotherapy trainees to the particular requirements of working with children and young people, and also illustrates the value of using a ‘child-centred’ approach for those who might already be working with children in mental health settings. Equally, this volume can be used for professional development in many disciplines including adult trained therapists who want to extend their knowledge of people prior to reaching adulthood.

Child-centred Therapy – Developing Practice II

Child-centred Therapy – Developing Practice II

Child-centred therapy – developing practice II

Covered in this Chapter

  • Transference and counter-transference
  • Resilience
  • Relational security: teenage years
  • Categories and stages of play behaviour
  • Motivation for change
  • Therapist gender
  • Ending therapy
    • Ending initiated by a client
    • Ending initiated by the therapist
    • Abrupt endings by others

Transference and Counter-transference

Transference and counter-transference are terms often associated with psychodynamic therapy and not the person-centred approach. Transference refers to the redirection of a client's feelings from a significant person to the therapist. Similarly, counter-transference is defined as the redirection of a therapist's feelings towards a client. This occurs when the therapist conveys elements of his/her own personal internal conflicts to the client. It may also be described as a therapist's emotional entanglement with a client.

The person-centred perspective, on the other hand, places ...

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