Caitlin Finlay: 1150300.
900 Foundations of Relational Practice A

Benner, D. (2009). The gift of being yourself (pp. 75-89). Downers Grove, Illinois.: InterVarsity Press.
This reading is about the human tendency of 'false self' and the lifestyle of illusion one can lead, perhaps unknowingly. A discussion as to how 'false self' is established sheds insight on how the reader can recognise their own illusions. It is explained that throughout childhood awareness is formed around the basis of the need for love, how to achieve happiness and mostly; how one feels and perceives their person as an individual. In order to cope with the emptiness false self brings, attachments are formed to provide a constant source of nourishment to help sustain the illusion. The writer extends a challenge to accept true identity in God, rather than hide behind the created appearance of who one wants to be. An acknowledgement is made; recognising the illusions in one’s life is not always an easy task due to the longevity and reality of them. Finally, help is offered in the form of Christ. God is constantly yearning for companionship whilst illusions provide a barrier in many lives. The writer emphasises the ease and rest found in living out life in Christ compared to upholding and striving to live behind the illusion of a false self.

Yalom, I. (2002). The Gift of Therapy (pp. 17-25). New York: HarperCollins.
Irvin Yalom talks extensively about empathy throughout this reading. On entering this chapter the reader is introduced to three vital and crucial features a therapist should embody; empathy, a genuine air to the relationship and unconditional positive regard towards the client. Empathy is conveyed as a client feeling as though they have been fully heard, fully seen as an individual and wholly free to reveal their true identity to the therapist. Yalom freely expresses how such empathy can have great effect on a client. He presents an example of this in an experiment he personally carried out between himself and a client, writing down what was taken from the therapy hour spent together. Results were astounding as they showed to be completely different. Thus producing a standard of awareness for all therapist to understand that often it is assumed that client and therapist will share the same experiences, but instead to be aware of any projections onto clients that they feel the same. Teaching the client empathy is also stressed as this sets up a foundation on understanding how to extend this empathy to others. Yalom boldly notes that clients often refer to therapy due to a lack of developed empathy towards situations and others resulting in conflict and issues.

Allender, D. (2005). To be told: Know your story, shape your future (pp. 1-23). Colorado Springs, Colo.: Waterbrook Press.
Throughout this reading Allender cleverly paints a picture of how significance life really is when it is often taken for granted. The reader is led through insights on the human life journey and what it exposes about the Creator God. Allender stresses the point that life is a personal journey, but also a story to be told as it is also a story of God revealing Himself. The reader is faced with a challenging statement when it is communicated that if one does not like their life story they then must not like the Creator! The Author of all stories has specific input into everyone individual’s life, even one filled with tragedy and tension. The reading explores how past tragedies can form into patterned responses then goes on to confront this by stating that although some situations may not change, a new story can be written. This gives the reader an abundance of hope in their own life. Finally the author differentiates between a good and bad ending. It is proclaimed that even if life is messy and it appears as though there is much work to be done to fix it, there can still be a well written ending if the Author is present.

Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy (pp. 168-189, 8th ed.). Thomson: Brooks/Cole.
Carl Rogers is introduced as the founder of person-centred therapy and a summary of his history is presented. A thorough exploration of the historical background of traditional therapy was given. This background knowledge was essential for the reader to understand as it provided a foundation of the different values and techniques person-centred therapy embodies. A detailed timeline of person-centred therapy was presented and showed that this therapy arose from the belief that all humans are fundamentally trustworthy. This belief challenged the traditional therapy of the professional knowing what is best for the client. An interesting philosophical difference between existentialism and humanism was shown through the metaphor of an acorn. This acorn represented humanism; the potential that all humans encompass and if revealed to the right conditions they will flourish. Corey explains that existentialism suggests no inner potential for flourishment if introduced to the right conditions. A statement made proposes that the aim of counselling is to help individuals set themselves of their restrictions, making clear a path for them to carry on and equipped to face the next challenge. Corey then lists how to apply this vision into a counselling relationship, and how to recognise progress.

McMinn, M., & Campbell, C. (2007). Integrative Psychotherapy: Toward a Comprehensive Christian Approach (pp. 21-51). Downers Grove, Illinois.: InterVarsity Press Academic.
In this reading, the author’s present the integration of science and faith, and explain the two realms have profound historical ties. In regards to a Christian providing therapy, it is discussed that bringing only one end of either spectrum is not ‘right’ but that the middle ground integration of the two is the most appropriate. The authors start to introduce Christian anthropology and the impact this has on then therapeutic relationship and counselling. Firstly, the reader addresses creation in a way that conveys therapy should reflect the image of God as the client is made in the Creator’s image. Next, the fall of creation and entrance of sin is exposed as the highest calamity in history. It is stated that sin is a state humanity it is, but also an act that haunts everyday life. The fall also provides the utmost hope in the way of redemption. Through acknowledging the implication of sin the reader also gets a greater understanding of the grace Christ offers humanity. Redemption gives hope, but also changes the way an individual understands and expresses themselves. McCinn and Campbell end on a clear note that because of this hope we can all live with worth and know there is healing coming for a broken world.

Teyber, E. (2011). Interpersonal Process in Therapy: An Integrative Model (pp. 46-93, 6th ed.). Belmont: Brooks/Cole.
In this reading the author, Teyber, expresses very clearly throughout how to be present with a client, but also how to approach them. Many thorough situational examples were presented to help the reader throughout the text, which then went on to teach the reader to develop their understanding about the interpersonal process. Firstly, Teyber explains in depth about how and what the therapist should be communicating to the client from first meeting. To form a therapeutic relationship the therapist needs to present understanding, empathy and to show an assurance to help the client through their situation. The therapist also needs to show that they have the client’s best interest at heart, which tends to form a union in the relationship. Most pages stressed the importance of recognising the union shaped by the collaborative relationship. This alliance is based off a number of characteristics such as trust, client goals and acceptance. This reading seems to be constructed with the intention that the reader can reflect back on the text for help and guidance in any given situation in relation to counselling and the interpersonal process. Although the reading appears to be written for the student, it has an ageless air to it meaning that even experienced therapists may consult its pages.