ABSTRACT
John McNeel places the therapy of injunctive messages firmly within the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship by emphasizing the need for therapists to provide affirmation of the client's experiences and present suffering, acceptance, empathy and invitation to find new, more resourceful ways of living. McNeel also notes that the process of therapy of injunctive messages takes time and requires considerable behavioural change and reinforcement of changes. In many respects, therapy in and of itself is a potent confrontation of this injunction. Clients are reminded through the empathic relationship that they exist, and their existence is validated. Acknowledge their pain, and their struggles with life. Support clients’ engagement with life and help them to identify people, places and things which enliven, and invigorate them and which nourish their soul. Encourage and support self-definition and expressions of individuality. Validate the client's perspective, their uniqueness and their history.
