Between Therapist and Client: The New Relationship [Paperback]

Michael Kahn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1997

Perhaps the most important aspect of the therapeutic process is the relationship between therapist and client. For years, two major schools of thought have strongly disagreed about what the nature of that relationship should be. The humanists emphasized warmth and empathy. The psychoanalysts kept a neutral, cool distance. Recently, however, the beginnings of a reconciliation between these traditions have opened new possibilities for the way therapists relate to clients.

In Between Therapist and Client, Michael Kahn shows why this new consensus is promising. Beginning with Freud's discovery of transference, Kahn traces the history of the clinical relationship from Carl Rogers' introduction of humanistic concerns through Merton Gill's theory and technique of transference analysis, to the pioneering work of Heinz Kohut, who has most successfully brought together psychoanalytic and humanistic thought. Using vivid examples from his own practice, Kahn shows how a coherent synthesis of these various approaches leads to the most successful clinical relationships.

Completely updated with greater discussion of ethics and countertransference, the new edition of Between Therapist and Client is essential reading for those in psychotherapy both therapist and client.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This revised edition of the 1991 original has been updated to include the latest developments in the merging of the humanist and psychoanalyst approaches to the client/therapist relationship. A good title for public and academic collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Scientific American

An unexpected pleasure...Readable at all levels, it captures the essence of the therapeutic relationship, with all its challenges and rewards. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks; Revised edition (September 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805071008
• ISBN-13: 978-0805071009
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Compulsive Behavior

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for anyone learning the art of psychotherapy, December 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Between Therapist and Client: The New Relationship (Paperback)

As a graduate student newly entering the world of psychotherapy from a professional standpoint, I found Michael Kahn's book a real reading treasure. His explanations of issues such as transference (and countertransference), and the way in which these phenomena have been viewed over time, was interesting to read and valuable learning for any therapist-to-be. He does a beautiful job of taking theoretical information and explaining it in such a way that it can be understood and utilized immediately with clients. Also, Michael brings a personal touch to his book which I found increases it's worth even further. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about psychotherapy, particularly self-psychology; and I sincerely hope he decides to write more in the future!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential for the budding therapist, March 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Between Therapist and Client: The New Relationship (Paperback)

This is a clear, well-written book that examines those elements of the therapist-client relationship which can either be therapeutic or anti-therapeutic. Kahn gives a brief overview of the different perspectives of transference/countertransference and how to use these aspects effectively while avoiding common pitfalls. I strongly recommend this text for beginning graduate students of psychotherapy.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must on Transference, December 20, 2007

By 

Dr. Robert Hackler "Grandpa Spells" (Orlando, Fl. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Between Therapist and Client: The New Relationship (Paperback)

Michael Kahn's book is, by far, the best treatment of the therapist-client relationship which we call "transference". My professional organization, the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, regularly has workshops on this theme (and counter-transference) at its annual conferences, because as Kahn says, psychotherapy is only as successful as the relationship the therapist has with his client. It amazes me that, to the best of my knowledge, the state prescribed curriculum for psychology here in Florida offers no credit for courses on this topic. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this book for this crucial subject.