ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines contemporary theory on the nature of a collaborative therapeutic relationship, and extends the notion of collaboration to a more profound challenge to therapist self-awareness and self-complacency. It offers some simple vignettes from the clinical work to illustrate these principles. Recent social construction theory invites systemic therapists to reflect more profoundly on the place and nature of the therapeutic relationship. A collaborative therapeutic relationship can offer potential for client and therapist growth and change. The relationship of therapist and client comes out of the interplay of two deep dramas, the client’s and the therapist’s. Therapists sometimes carry to an unnecessary extent the responsibility of determining appropriate therapeutic directions during the session. Homework tasks offer great possibilities for collaborative work The very act of being present with a client in the intensity of a truly collaborative therapeutic relationship generates enormous potential for growth.
