When I began my counselling career, I had limited skills and techniques in my arsenal. Talk therapy was helpful at times (at least it seemed to be) and other times I felt talk therapy did not have much effect. I was only using a screwdriver when I needed to find more tools. I believe one way I pulled through being ‘generic’ as a therapist was understanding the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Wow, is this important! The therapeutic relationship is the bond or rap