ABSTRACT
When an individual presents problems in therapy, the role of the therapist is to offer interventions that would alleviate symptoms, mediate maladaptive behavior or thinking patterns, and promote well-being. As an agent of change, the therapist’s work begins with understanding the nature of presenting problems and the context in which they are manifested. Knowing how to do therapy speaks not only to the therapist’s knowledge of psychopathology and interventions, but also to his or her efforts to connect interpersonally with the client by way of establishing a relationship that is warm, empathic, and collaborative. Establishing a positive therapeutic and collaborative relationship is important (Fischer, Jome, & Atkinson, 1998; Roysircar, Hubbell, & Gard, 2003) because it fosters a positive treatment outcome for the client (Constantine, Fuertes, & Roysircar & Kindaichi, 2008; Roysircar, 2009a; Wampold, 2001).
