ABSTRACT
The art of describing a particular case, of giving the reader insights into the workings of the therapeutic relationship and the development of understanding, lies in the therapist’s ability to comment on how process informs and directs the contextual issues emerging from therapy. Russell Hurn’s account of his work in this process report captures the subtleties of process that are so often ignored in client studies. He elaborates on the importance of the working alliance between therapist and patient and how this trusting bond serves as the foundation for the therapeutic progress that the patient makes. Russell also makes a point of describing his feelings when reviewing taped material, a daunting task for any trainee or indeed qualified therapist! His insights regarding his interventions are well thought out and constructively critical. He makes reference to the fact that, through listening to his interaction with his client, he is able to go beyond the mere content of the sessions and gain a wider perspective on his interactions with the client. In a way, this allows him to supervise his own work retrospectively; to gain insight through repositioning himself outside the ongoing dynamics of the relationship. This exercise not only informs his work with this particular client but also prepares him for future clinical/therapeutic encounters.
