The Quality of Presence: An Essential Component of Therapeutic Wor

The concept of therapeutic presence has only recently been addressed in the literature. However the literature regarding this topic indicates that therapeutic presence is an important aspect of effective therapy (Boudette, 2011; Bradford, 2007; Greason & Cashwell, 2009; Hall-Renn, 2006; Nanda, 2009). As much of the literature is comprised of conceptual pieces, empirical data needs to be expanded on regarding therapeutic presence. One of the areas that is not addressed in the literature is how practicing counselors perceive or utilize presence The objective of this qualitative study was to gather information from a sample of expert counseling practitioners concerning therapeutic presence. In particular, to explore these clinicians perceptions of the impact of therapeutic presence on their roles as counselors and on therapeutic outcomes.