Abstract
Contemporary theory emphasizes the therapist’s emotional involvement in the relationship with the client. The aim of this study is to explore how this emotional involvement happens in practice and why therapists choose this option. A study questioned 14 therapists in semi-structured interviews about how they use their emotions and what gains they attribute to this intervention. The analysis and categorization of the data obtained followed the principles of Grounded Theory Analysis. The results suggest that the disclosure of the therapist’s emotions in session can help diagnosis and serve as a tool for therapeutic progress, including development of client target behaviors, and increased interpersonal process awareness. For therapists, working with their emotions can promote both personal and professional change. Not only the client, but the therapist as well, is transformed with each open and genuine close relationship in the therapist’s office. As such, the change in treatment should not be thought of as a one-way process.
The Person of the Therapist; Grounded Theory Analysis; Therapeutic Relationship; Emotional Involvement