Therapeutic Relationship-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This book describes a relationship-focused approach to the conduct of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) called therapeutic relationship-focused CBT, offering readers a broad conceptualization of the therapeutic relationship by integrating literature that cuts across theoretical frameworks, and applies this conceptualization to illustrate how the therapeutic relationship can be used as both a facilitator of change as well as a central agent of change within the cognitive behavioral framework.

In addition to acknowledging important theoretical and empirical scholarship on the therapeutic relationship that has been advanced by renowned CBT scholars, the book highlights and integrates important insights from scholars who operate outside of the cognitive behavioral framework. In addition, it provides clinical guidance for developing, maintaining, and enhancing the therapeutic relationship throughout the course of CBT, and provides case illustrations to support the notion that some of the very best CBT occurs in the context of an issue happening in real time, in session, within the therapeutic relationship. Chapters emphasize that the incorporation of a focus on the therapeutic relationship in CBT has the potential to enhance outcomes and promote treatment engagement for clients.

The volume is divided into two parts. The first part on contextual foundations describes theory, discourse, empirical research, and some clinical applications of general aspects of the therapeutic relationship. Part two of the book summarizes clinical guidance for the implementation of therapeutic relationship-focused CBT, showing how the therapeutic relationship can facilitate CBT techniques like cognitive restructuring, social problem solving, exposure, and schema modification. The author discusses how to address sensitive issues that may not typically be addressed in the CBT literature, such as negative client reactions to therapists and vice versa. Guidance for repairing ruptures in the working alliance and ending therapy is also provided. Together, the volume presents a vivid description of a therapeutic relationship-focused CBT that brings together key scholarly advancements on the therapeutic relationship, translates them into clinical guidance, and establishes a foundation for future empirical research and clinical practice.