Therapeutic Friendship: Cultivating a Clinical Therapeutic Process for Deeper Connection presented by Chris O’Rear, M.Div., M.M.F.T. Zoom only

Chris O’Rear

MDiv, MMFT, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist

The key to success in a process of psychotherapy is the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The quality of this relationship is more than active listening and empathy. This presentation will establish the importance of a clear therapeutic framework for the work of therapy and will assist participants to utilize transference and countertransference to create a deeper connection with clients. This presentation will also emphasize a focus on “process” rather than “content” to assist clients gain insight and create opportunities for significant changes in their life.

1.5 CEU credits offered

Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate the significance of clear therapeutic framework for psychotherapy.
2. Assist participants to identify and utilize transference and countertransference to deepen the therapeutic connection between therapist and client.
3. Assist participants to recognize the presence of process-oriented interventions to deepen connection and the potential for insight.
4. Assist participants to formulate a theoretical connection between process-oriented psychotherapy as theological concept and transformational change.

chrisorear.com/book

Chris O’Rear is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist with over 30 years of experience. He is the Owner & Director of The Counseling Center, PLLC, a professional pastoral counseling service with three locations in the middle Tennessee area. He is ordained and endorsed to the work of pastoral counseling by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He is a Psychotherapist member of ACPE and is an approved trainer for their Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Program. Chris is also a regular speaker, preacher and writer. He has published numerous articles and Sunday School lessons, and is the author of the book, “Therapeutic Friendship: Cultivating Relationships That Heal”. Chris has been married to Lynda since 1987. They have two married daughters and one granddaughter born in January 2026.