ABSTRACT
Many factors contribute to the therapist's presence in a session that reaches beyond technique and powerfully impacts the quality of the therapeutic relationship. This chapter explores some of these elements, such as clinical intuition, courage, non-verbal and metaphorical communications, and authenticity. When do we step out of a role and become a person who fulfills her professional purpose? What are the qualities that make us unique and accessible to our clients?
The author uses the horse whisperer model, who turns a wild horse into a friend working cooperatively with his trainer. Some of the principles used by horse whisperers apply to humans, and there are fascinating similarities. The author wishes for therapists to stay connected to their rich internal resources, uniqueness, creativity, and capacity to touch others beyond the cognitive and conscious mind. This chapter is about the spirit of kindness, acceptance, and love that are the heart of psychotherapy.
