What Do I Say?: The Therapist's Guide to Answering Client Questions

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xv

PART 1 Client Questions in a Broad Context

Introduction to Part 1 1

Why Do Clients’ Questions Cause Apprehension? 3

What Do the Different Theories Advise? 5

Remember, It’s Not About You 11

Guidelines for Answering Questions 13

Style and Language Considerations 17

Further Thoughts 23

PART 2 Client Questions and Responses by Topic

Introduction to Part 2 25

1 The Early Sessions 27

2 Experience 43

3 Therapeutic Process 54

4 Expectations About Change 70

5 Techniques 80

6 Professional Role 94

7 Money 107

8 Confidentiality 119

9 Boundaries 131

10 Personal Questions 148

11 Sexuality 169

12 Religion and Spirituality 185

13 Prejudice 201

14 Stigma 209

15 Physical Appearance 217

16 Dreams 233

17 Therapists’ Reactions 245

18 Individual and Cultural Differences 259

19 Involving Others 273

20 Out of the Office 285

21 Keeping in Touch 304

22 Life Events 314

23 Ending Therapy 324

Concluding Thoughts 343

References 347

Index 351

About the Authors 357