ABSTRACT
There is general agreement from research into psychotherapy that the relationship between patient and therapist is the most important component of the therapeutic endeavour, and since relationships are unpredictable and subject to a variety of factors, it is inevitable that stresses will arise. Some apply to psychotherapy generally, others are more specific to Health Service or private practice. This chapter will deal primarily with stress for psychotherapists working outside the NHS. There will be consideration of stresses arising from external circumstances such as the setting, referrals, finance, and isolation, and of others arising from the therapeutic relationship and from working with particular groups of patients.
