ABSTRACT
Devotees of specific theoretical orientations often claim that their own specific approaches are more effective than those of others. Meta-analysis studies, however, reveal there are little differences among the numerous schools of therapy and their different intervention techniques. Noteworthy differences lay in something called “common therapeutic factors”:
The client factor—the engine of change
The therapeutic relationship factor
The factors of hope and specific techniques
With the detailed knowledge and wisdom imparted in this chapter, novice counselors and therapists will up the ante on the effectiveness of therapy. They will learn:
Counseling skills are, in essence, skills of connection.
Skills and techniques exist to serve the therapeutic relationship
To enhance all of the above common therapeutic factors, they must hone their craft—their counseling skills and techniques.
