ABSTRACT
Without a willingness to experience animal forces of human nature, which incorporate the terror, murderousness, and destructive shadow inherent in life itself, psychotherapeutic growth becomes superficial and avoidant. In integrative psychotherapy, Clarkson believes that those animal forces, shadow phenomena somatically experienced, are part of the healing process. It is increasingly acknowledged in the therapy professions that it is the relationship between client and therapist that heals old wounds and promotes personal growth. This human connectedness is the very core of integrative psychotherapeutic work, and therapist personality plays an important part. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) now values the importance of therapists undertaking their own therapy—forty hours of personal work—to become able to practise openly and effectively. The BACP lists the personal qualities necessary for professional competency as follows: empathy, sincerity in relationships, integrity, resilience, showing respect, acknowledging one's own strengths and weaknesses, employing skills competently, being fair, possessing wisdom, and courage.
