This qualitative study investigated three novice counselors’ experiences and characterizations of
therapeutic relationships. Thematic analyses of interviews and diaries revealed six common
themes: (a) the centrality of supervision and training experiences to navigating interpersonal
experiences with clients; (b) anxiety about counselors’ roles in therapeutic relationships; (c) the perception of the therapeutic relationship as less directive than outside (lay) helping relationships; (d) experimentation with different interpersonal styles; (e)awareness of countertransference; and, (f) impact of therapeutic relationships on outside relationships.
Findings expand upon the therapeutic relationship as a focal point for the training and supervision of novice counselors
