Person of the Therapist

The assumption that clinicians must overcome any personal issues or struggles to be skilled psychotherapists often results in a reluctance to acknowledge person-of-the-therapist issues. Therapists’ personal issues must always be monitored as an ongoing area for growth. However, an expanded perspective of the person or self of the therapist proposes that difficult or painful life experiences can act as an asset or as a hindrance depending on how they are addressed. A couple and family therapy perspective assumes that the family-of-origin experiences and contextual influences affect all individuals and relationships, including the therapist. Exploration is achieved by unpacking the unique history that has informed the therapist’s beliefs, values, and biases. Past experiences and ongoing contextual influences work together to affect the therapist’s inner response to clients in various ways. These responses influence the therapist–client relationship, which can be used to enhance or obstr