Empathic resonance and differential experiential processing: An experiential process-directive approach

Abstract

In this paper I present an experiential process-directive experiential approach in which the therapist is guided by the Rogerian core attitudes both for offering a therapeutic relationship and for intervening in a process-enhancing way. This view is in line with the evolution of the last two decades within client-centered psychotherapy, from a non-directive to a process-directive approach (Gendlin, 1996; Greenberg, Elliott & Rice, 1993; Elliott, Watson, Goldman & Greenberg, 2004). In this process-directive approach, the main task of the therapist is to facilitate an experiential exploration process in the client. The empathic-resonance process is the breeding ground for a variety of interventions that not only communicate the therapist's understanding-as was the case in Rogerian.