Therapist and Client: A Relational Approach to Psychotherapy

One of the most crucial decisions for any clinician is choosing the appropriate treatment approach for an individual patient. Therapist and Client: A Relational Approach to Psychotherapy provides an invaluable guide to the fundamental interpersonal elements that comprise the most effective factor in therapy–the therapeutic relationship. Psychoanalytic and humanistic concepts and principles that vividly demonstrate the need to work in the present moment in order to effect change and tailor therapy to the individual client are grounded in key findings from infant research and neuroscience. In exploring the major aspects of the therapeutic relationship and a relational approach, esteemed psychotherapist Patrick Nolan draws on theory from multiple psychotherapeutic perspectives, research, and more than 30 years of clinical experience. His innovative treatment model reveals how current knowledge of the unified nature of body–mind experience, function, and expression offers a fresh view of the interactions, vitality, and potential of therapy. Illustrated with numerous detailed case studies and practical clinical applications, Therapist and Client offers an exciting new resource for psychotherapists and health care professionals seeking more pragmatic, enlivening, and fruitful results with their clients.

Foreword ix Preface xiii Acknowledgements xv Introduction xvii 1 Applying Findings from Infant Research 1 Introduction 1 Intersubjectivity 3 References 24 2 The Interpersonal Relationship 27 Introduction 27 The Evolution of a Relational Approach 28 The Therapist: Self with Other 30 Reflecting on Self and Other 42 Repairing the Relationship 45 References 51 3 Potential Space, Creativity and Play 54 Introduction 54 Intersubjectivity – the Realm of Potential Space 55 The Therapeutic Space 56 Creativity and Play 65 References 84 4 The Intersubjective Experience 86 Introduction 86 Defining and Exploring the Intersubjective Experience 90 References 104 5 The Relational Body–Mind 106 Introduction 106 The Nature of the Relational Body–Mind 109 A Relational Body–Mind Perspective 112 Five Modes of Experience, Function and Expression 114 Taking a Body–Mind Stance 119 Relational Body–Mind Therapy 121 Transference–Countertransference and the Body–Mind 131 ‘Fragile’ Clients 132 References 134 6 Working with Trauma and Fragile Clients 137 Introduction 137 Therapy for the Traumatized Body–Mind 138 Working with Fragile Clients 149 References 157 7 Adapting Therapy to the Client: A Relational Approach 159 Introduction 159 Assessment 163 Creating the Therapeutic Frame 171 Tailoring the Therapist′s Stance 174 Choosing a Level 184 Staying Adaptable and Relational 189 Arriving at an Individual Style 192 References 194 Index 197

Patrick Nolan is a Psychotherapist and the Director of the Irish Institute for Integrated Psychotherapy. He is co–author of Object Relations and Integrative Psychotherapy: Tradition and Innovation in Theory and Practice (2002) and has written about integrative, psychoanalytic and body psychotherapy in numerous publications.

"While new practitioners will benefit from reading this book, therapists of all levels of experience, especially those who are focusing on the relational aspect of their work, will find this book a useful place to visit and revisit; to think, to reflect and to play with the ideas."  ( The British Journal of Psychotherapy Integration , 1  July 2013) “In my opinion it deserves a large readership, and in particular I would urge that it be read by all recent graduates of integrative trainings as an inspiration and encouragement to them as they ‘head out into unchartered water,’ as Nolan might say.”  ( Contemporary Psychotherapy , 1 December 2012) "The real richness in this book is how Nolan illustrates his ideas through his own reflections on his client work and the presentation throughout the book of case vignettes that explicitly demonstrate how the concepts outlined are manifested in his work with clients. Each chapter begins with a presentation of theoretical ideas, supported by theory and research from diverse disciplines including developmental psychology and neuroscience, followed by a demonstration of how these ideas apply in the therapy setting.  We are invited to observe the work of therapy, to share in his reflections, to glance through a window into his consulting room where both client and therapist are exposed in all their vulnerability. This book has something to offer for both those in training and experienced practitioners engaged in therapeutic work. The writing style is accessible, particularly when he shares his own views and when he writes about his own practice." (Dr  Rosaleen Mc Elvaney, Inside Out ) "In my opinion it deserves a wide readership, and in particular I would urge that it be read by all recent graduates of integrative trainings as an inspiration and encouragement to them as they ′head out into unchartered water′, as Nolan might say." ( London Psychotherapy Network , Autumn 2012) "Patrick Nolan sets out to share his findings and research based on over thirty years of clinical practice in this highly informative and significant book." ( Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy , Autumn 2012) "All in all, then, this is a good book for the psychodynamically inclined, taking them rather fully into the relational field, which is so popular these days in all modalities."  ( ACPNL Magazine , 1 October 2012) "Nolan has produced a powerful book that clearly explains often complex concepts. This book is suitable for all in the counselling world, although therapists with less experience may find some of the ideas challenging." ( Therapy Today , 1 September 2012)