ABSTRACT
This chapter will introduce the therapeutic relationship as central to the practice of counselling psychology. Common factors (or non-specific factors) research will be discussed, which indicates that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most essential ingredients for effective therapy. Concepts such as the use of self in a relationship and links to the theoretical concepts of congruence, transference and countertransference will be discussed. More recent developments of the pluralistic framework will be considered, paying particular attention to the collaborative relationship at its core.
