Relationship Factors in Counseling: A Guide for Evidence-Based Practice in Practicum and Internship

Relationship Factors in Counseling: A Guide for Evidence-Based Practice in Practicum and Internship embraces the notion that the clinical training of counselors needs to reach beyond basic microskills to include therapeutic relationship-building skills, which are proven to facilitate positive client outcomes in therapy. This text is designed to teach counseling students how to intentionally develop and maintain a therapeutic relationship. The book leverages the evidence-based relationship factors (EBRF) model to help students develop therapeutic relationship skills, expand their cognitive thinking skills, and improve their counseling effectiveness. Students learn about 10 relational elements identified by the American Psychological Association (APA) task force in support of EBRF-based practice: cultural humility; congruence; unconditional positive regard; empathic understanding; the working alliance (emotional bond, goal consensus, and task collaboration); rupture and repair; managing countertransference; and progress monitoring. Each chapter explores a specific relationship factor, providing a definition, a brief literature review, cultural identities and contextual considerations, and examples of relationship factor measurement. Additionally, skill development activities and voices from the field spotlights enrich the learning experience and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Fully aligned with the ACA ethics code and CACREP standards regarding teaching and conducting evidence-based practice, Relationship Factors in Counseling is exemplary for counseling practicum courses and internships.