Metatherapeutic communication: an exploratory analysis of therapist-reported moments of dialogue regarding the nature of the therapeutic work.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the nature of <italic>metatherapeutic communication</italic> (MTC), defined as dialogue between therapists and clients on the nature of the therapeutic work and the means by which it can be of greatest help to clients. Twelve counselling psychologists, working pluralistically with 35 clients experiencing depression, described on post-session forms moments of negotiation and collaboration around the therapeutic work. Two main dimensions of MTC were identified: the <italic>subject matter</italic> of the MTC and the <italic>temporal focus</italic> of the MTC. In addition, MTC varied by the <italic>time</italic> at which it took place. These findings provide a framework for understanding the nature of MTC in counselling and psychotherapy, and the opportunities for implementing it in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]