A. Most therapists rely on a trusting, genuine relationship in which the client has the confidence of gaining some measure of help as a necessary but not sufficient, condition for change. Not everyone agrees with this first point.

B. Prior to seeing the client, all theorists have a generally consistent theory, which they use to conceptualize the problem. That conceptualization is developed with the individual client as the client's story unfolds.

C. Treatment grows logically out of the conceptualization.

D. Techniques are used to aid change.

E. Most therapies require the client to make changes outside of the therapy hour.

F. Emotional expression usually plays a central part in most therapies, but causes usually go beyond the emotion to something else.

G. Many therapies are good, but therapies are not equally good or equally effective. Therapies need to be matched to the client's presenting problem, the client's personal style, and to the counselor's personal style.

H. Goals are the product of a negotiation among therapists, clients, and society.

I. The therapist's values are prevalent throughout therapies of all kinds, despite some therapists' insistence that they keep therapy value free. A morally respected position is, thus, that therapists should discuss relevant values and allow clients the respect of making an informed decision about how they are influenced. Values are to be exposed to, but not to be imposed on, the client.

J. Everyone has a personal theory of counseling. That theory needs to be clearly articulated to make decision rules easier and to make treatments compatible with the theory.

				Tom of Bethany