Building and Maintaining Therapeutic Relationships

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to building and maintaining therapeutic relationships in counseling.

Therapeutic Relationship

A positive connection between counselor and client that is essential for effective counseling.

Rapport

A condition of mutual trust and respect necessary for establishing a therapeutic relationship.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting and valuing a client without judgment, which is necessary for personality change.

Accurate Empathy

The counselor's ability to accurately sense and communicate the client's feelings and experiences.

Genuineness

The state of being true to oneself and being transparent with clients in counseling.

Entry Behavior

The initial layers of behavior presented by clients as a protective mechanism when meeting new people.

Immediacy

The counselor's ability to address feelings or thoughts as they occur in the moment during a session.

Cultural Empathy

Understanding and respecting the unique cultural backgrounds and experiences of clients.

Active Listening

A communication technique used to deepen understanding and affirm the client’s feelings.

Reflecting

The counselor restates or mirrors the client’s feelings and thoughts to enhance understanding.

Paraphrasing

Rephrasing what the client has said while retaining the original meaning to clarify understanding.

Nonverbal Attentiveness

The practice of using body language, eye contact, and gestures to show interest and engagement.

Verbal Attentiveness

Using spoken affirmations and allowing clients to express themselves without interruption.

Advanced Empathy

A deeper level of empathic understanding that goes beyond what the client has explicitly stated.

Facilitative Conditions

Counselor attitudes and behaviors that promote a positive therapeutic relationship.

Client Resistance

When clients exhibit reluctance or hesitation to engage openly in the counseling process.

Therapeutic Alliance

The collaborative bond between counselor and client that facilitates therapeutic change.

Self-Disclosure

The counselor sharing personal information or experiences to enhance client understanding.

Interpersonal Relationship

A connection between individuals that can influence therapeutic practices and outcomes.

Boundary Setting

Establishing limits within the counselor-client relationship to maintain professionalism and ethics.

Trust in Counseling

The foundational element that allows clients to feel safe and secure in expressing themselves.

Ethical Self-Disclosure

Sharing personal information in a way that is appropriate and helpful for the client’s therapeutic process.

Client-Centered Therapy

An approach where the client leads the direction of therapy, with the counselor supporting the client's exploration.

Attachment History

The history of a person’s relationships and bonds with others, which can influence their interactions in therapy.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness and respect for the diverse cultural backgrounds and contexts of clients.

Encourage Expression

Promoting clients to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

Emotional Space

The amount of emotional safety a counselor provides for clients to express their feelings.