ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the goals and format of the book. The focus of the book is looking at process from three intersecting perspectives: The first being that common mental health problems arise not from what clients typically believe—namely, the content that makes up their problems—but instead from the faulty process—the ways clients respond and, more importantly, what can’t they do—that keeps them from effectively solving their own problems. Next, we look at therapy process as a forum where this faulty process is played out and where the clinical goal is one of changing the process in the room. Finally, we look at the art of therapeutically shaping the clinical process to maximize its effectiveness, creating correctional emotional experiences and helping clients feel more empowered and insightful when they walk out than when they walked in. The chapter, as do the following chapters, concludes with questions for readers to stimulate their own clinical values, approach and areas of growth.
