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Relational Healing: To Be Understood And To Understand

This qualitative study affirms the relationship as a growth-engendering force in successful therapeutic encounters. Five female clients who had consecutive therapeutic relationships with two different therapists recount their experiences of change and growth. Each client reported that forming relational connections with the therapists evoked healing and development. Experiences of personal growth are presented from clients’ perspectives and in their own words. Whereas each participant’s experience is unique,themes of personal agency, a redefined sense of self, and a renewed sense of being-in-the-world emerge from their therapeutic encounters. Having known therapists’ empathy and understanding, clients reported increased self-acceptance and self-empathy. The therapeutic relationship emerges as a model for relationships with self and others as well as a powerful source of personal growth in its own right.

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