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The must-have guide to honestly and sensitively answering your clients' questions
Written to help therapists view their clients' questions as collaborative elements of clinical work, What Do I Say? explores the questions—some direct, others unspoken—that all therapists, at one time or another, will encounter from clients. Authors and practicing therapists Linda Edelstein and Charles Waehler take a thought-provoking look at how answers to clients' questions shape a therapeutic climate of expression that encourages personal discovery and growth.
Strategically arranged in a question-and-answer format for ease of use, this hands-on guide is conversational in tone and filled with personal examples from experienced therapists on twenty-three hot-button topics, including religion, sex, money, and boundaries. What Do I Say? tackles actual client questions, such as:
The power of therapy lies in the freedom it offers clients to discuss anything and everything. It's not surprising then, that clients will surprise therapists with their experiences and sometimes with the questions they ask. What Do I Say? reveals how these questions—no matter how difficult or uncomfortable—can be used to support the therapeutic process rather than derail the therapistclient relationship.
"What Do I Say? is a useful guide for beginning psychotherapists and, therefore, is appropriate for most graduate courses on psychotherapeutic process. The book is equally useful for any psychotherapy supervisor..." (Psychotherapy, 2012)
Acknowledgments.
PART 1 Client Questions in a Broad Context.
Introduction to Part 1.
Why Do Clients’ Questions Cause Apprehension?
What Do the Different Theories Advise?
Remember, It’s Not About You.
Guidelines for Answering Questions.
Style and Language Considerations.
Further Thoughts.
PART 2 Client Questions and Responses by Topic.
Introduction to Part 2.
1 The Early Sessions.
2 Experience.
3 Therapeutic Process.
4 Expectations About Change.
5 Techniques.
6 Professional Role.
7 Money.
8 Confidentiality.
9 Boundaries.
10 Personal Questions.
11 Sexuality.
12 Religion and Spirituality.
13 Prejudice.
14 Stigma.
15 Physical Appearance.
16 Dreams.
17 Therapists’ Reactions.
18 Individual and Cultural Differences.
19 Involving Others.
20 Out of the Office.
21 Keeping in Touch.
22 Life Events.
23 Ending Therapy.
Concluding Thoughts.
References.
Index.
About the Authors.
Overview
The must-have guide to honestly and sensitively answering your clients' questions
Written to help therapists view their clients' questions as collaborative elements of clinical work, What Do I Say? explores the questions—some direct, others unspoken—that all therapists, at one time or another, will encounter from clients. Authors and practicing therapists Linda Edelstein and Charles Waehler take a thought-provoking look at how answers to clients' questions shape a therapeutic ...