ABSTRACT
At least for some therapists who identify with the classical client-centred approach to therapy, for therapists to make responses from their own frames of reference should be rare if it happens at all. This is because anything but an empathic, ‘checking perceptions’ response may deflect clients from their own processes. That is, any response other than one that is in accord with the client’s frame of reference and current experience is directive and therefore contrary to one of the principles of person-centred practice. However, there are other thoughts about this and it may be that, on occasions, therapists’ willingness to express themselves about their reaction to the client’s experience is helpful to their clients.
