Bergner, R.M., & Skaggs, J. / Published 1992 / Article
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Citation: Bergner, R.M., & Staggs, J. (1992). The Positive Therapeutic Relationship: An Accreditation Perspective. In M.K. Roberts, & R.M. Bergner, (Eds.). Clinical
Topics: Contributions to the Conceptualization and Treatment of Adolescent-Family Problems, Bulimia, Chronic Mental Illness, and Mania. Advances in Descriptive Psychology, Vol. 6 (pp. 185-201). Ann Arbor, MI: Descriptive Psychology Press.
Abstract: A positive therapeutic relationship may beneficially be enacted by the therapist assigning certain statuses to the client, and steadfastly treating him or her accordingly. These statuses include: one who is acceptable, who makes sense, whose best interests come first, who is significant, who already has strengths, who is to be given the benefit of the doubt, who is an ally and collaborator, who is an agent, and who is a fellow status assigner. Therapists must ensure that their status assignments are both recognized and accepted by clients; and must present themselves in such a manner as to establish, maintain, and repair if necessary their own eligibility to
function as assigners of such statuses.