Touchstones of Connection: A Concept Mapping Study of Counselor Factors That Contribute to Relational Depth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use concept mapping to explore counselor factors that create moments of relational depth with clients. Results support the use of Rogers's (, , ) core conditions of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard and more specific counseling skills and approaches.

Development and validation of the relational depth frequency scale

“…It also includes a broader developmental agenda, such as developing the capacity to draw on Òexistential touchstonesÓ. There is initial evidence suggesting that therapists can learn to relate at depth and undergo relational depth training if they have a capacity or a desire for it (Tangen & Cashwell, 2016 perspectives on the complexity of therapeutic changeÓ (p.322). Our hope is that the RDFS will contribute to this process.…”

Caregivers of Youth with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Hopes for Them as Adults

“…The primary benefit of concept mapping relative to other qualitative approaches is that participants determine the underlying conceptual structure of the qualitative data. This approach has been used with patients in treatment for chronic pain (Beurskens et al 2016), counselors providing mental health services (Tangen and Cashwell 2016), as well as community residents and service providers in high-risk communities (Stack-Cutler et al 2017). There are five steps to the concept mapping process including (a) preparation, (b) generation, (c) structuring, (d) representation, and (e) interpretation.…”

Exploring Counselor Experiences of Training in Relational Depth: An Interpretative Phenomenological Inquiry

“…the conditions that contribute to RD and both client and counselor experiences with moments of RD (Cooper, 2005;Knox, 2008;Knox & Cooper, 2011;McMillan & McLeod, 2006;Tangen & Cashwell, 2016).…”

“…Mearns developed the construct of RD to reflect a challenge for both counselor and client in extending beyond the facilitative conditions of person‐centered counseling to seek more depth in relationship. Allowing for greater understanding of the phenomenon, researchers contributed to the conceptualization of RD to include exploration of the conditions that contribute to RD and both client and counselor experiences with moments of RD (Cooper, 2005; Knox, 2008; Knox & Cooper, 2011; McMillan & McLeod, 2006; Tangen & Cashwell, 2016).…”

“…Expanding beyond the facilitative conditions of the therapeutic alliance requires intentional practice. Researchers considered the phenomenon of RD in terms of contributing factors and counselor receptivity to increase understanding of practice and contribute to education (Mearns & Cooper, 2005, 2018; Tangen & Cashwell, 2016). To facilitate moments of RD, the reflective counselor engages with the client with intuition, curiosity, and transparency.…”