Between Therapist and Client: The New Relationship

"I was told that if I didn't buy another book this year that I should try this one, particularly for the section specifically relating to integrative counselling; it's really good. So don't hesitate you won't waste your money and the price is right. "
~ Written on 2007-04-11

"By far the best book on the therapist-client relationship that I have read so far. Informative, inspirational and full of heart."
~ Written on 2004-09-13

"I have always tried to work in an eclectic way but have sometimes been unsure if this is the right thing to do as counselling is sometimes boxed. After reading this book it confirmed to me that what we need to do is work in a way that is beneficial to both counsellor and client, enabling a good counselling relationship to establish. It shows ways of working specifically in certain areas or of breaking down the boxes, letting true counselling occur. I found it easy to read and would recommend this book to anyone."
~ Written on 2002-03-01

"Funny how certain books seem to have been written just for ME! THis is one of them. Trained as a psychodynamic counsellor, I have been struggling for a long time with issues of 'how to be' in the room with clients. The psychoanalytic 'blank screen' just isn't me - yet I feel that I'm betraying my training if I am warm and present.Kahn brilliantly identifies and expands this dilemma and by introducing the work of Kohut provides an elegant and freeing way forward. I cannot recommend this book too highly and will be giving it to lots of friends!"
~ Written on 2001-11-23

"I am reading and greatly enjoying this book - "Between Therapist & Client" by Michael Kahn, Revised Edition, 5th 2001. A must read for everyone, therapist and trainees alike. Its contemporary style is worth a read even from the most experienced of therapists & trainers so they are aware of changes. It's about the realness of this relationship, crisp, honestly (congruently) and in the simplest frame of reference for easy understanding. It's like baring the new age therapy relation between the client & therapist, the interpersonal skills involved in genuine terms.

06/08/01. It's simplicity has enabled me identify and gather much insight, demonstrating excellent use of language in the therapeutic process for effectiveness. Its illustration of interpersonal skills is something I would love to incorporate into my client contact work. This is just the next best book after C. Rogers "On Becoming a Person", so easily readable. I have even picked up from its use of language and appropriate reflection, how to give a good evaluation of my practice; what to look at; what to include and how to pay attention to feelings - of both self as therapist & clients - being aware of these, so an understanding could be as accurate as possible to enhance this therapeutic relationship. Pardon me, but I am just in love with this book. Its illustration of counter-transference & empathy is an experience, is an eye opener; the reality of its existence in all relationship, only difference being how soon it is detected to be advantageous to the therapy, by being gently vigilant - p.139 - 144. Its illustration of attentive listening & the advantages of it in the process are phenomenal.

I have learnt so much from this book believe me I cannot begin to do enough justice to it than just recommend it as compulsory reading yet enjoyable. I even stumbled across my recent concerns about clients asking questions - how to handle this. You can just imagine my excitement when it was all there P.148 - 150, with examples to demonstrate and make it easier to understand.

I felt I was bad at giving a review, but this sounds so much like a review of a whole book, I think it would pass as a brief review, don't you? I will refer to it when next I have a literature review, because reviews gave me such tough times last year. I certainly believe now that "what comes to you naturally is the best way to learn & retain vital information", the spontaneity of it makes it even more real; it flows well."
~ Written on 2001-08-06