ABSTRACT
The psychotherapist’s task is three-fold. First and foremost is the establishment of a therapeutic setting which is a sanctuary—secure, constant, and as comfortable as possible for the patient. The second, maintaining the therapeutic alliance through sensitive awareness, springs from the first. Everything the psychotherapist says or does should support these two essential tasks to ensure a successful therapeutic effort. The third task, enhancing the therapeutic process, will be considered in Chapter 7.
