Skip to Main Content
13
Views
2
CrossRef citations
Altmetric

Article

Triumph or Disaster?: A Relational View of Therapeutic Mistakes

Pages 34-42
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
Translator disclaimer

This article discusses the importance of the therapist bringing his or her whole self into the therapeutic relationship in a fully human, imperfect way. Through two case examples the author demonstrates that if therapists work in the transferential relationship and allow themselves to be both impactful and impacted, mistakes will be inevitable and can provide creative therapeutic opportunities. Theories about therapeutic ruptures from transactional analysis and the wider psychotherapy field are presented, and the advantages and risks of working relationally in this way are described.

Additional information

Author information

Rachel Cook

Rachel Cook, M.A. (Oxon), M.Sc. (psychotherapy), Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, is in private practice in New Forest, Hampshire, England. She can be reached at The Rowans, Harrow Road, Neacroft, Christ-church BH23 8JW, United Kingdom; e-mail: .