Therapy is an essentially human activity that needs to be understood in terms of the relationships, processes of communication and people involved. This book is designed to support therapists in establishing open and mutual relationships, with clients and colleagues, for shared decision making, effective working partnerships and mutual empowerment. * Issues of the use of counselling skills are looked at specifically focusing on the principles, processes and contexts of therapy. * The book takes a reflective practitioner approach and provides activities designed to help the reader relate the ideas discussed in the book to themselves, their practice as therapists and the particular context of their work. * the book draws on and explores a wide range of personal and formal perspectives, including the clients' viewpoints, to enhance reflection on communication and relationships in practice. This books will be invaluable reading for all therapists looking to improve their professional relationship skills. 'This excellent and readable book is part of the Butterworth-Heinemann Skills for Practice series. This is a book for every general or specialist therapist who has a will to become a more reflective practitioner. It is certainly a must for every department library, and would I hope stimulate interesting discussion and evaluation of practice.' - Physiotherapy, March 1996