Charles J. Gelso, PhD, has been a professor of psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park, since 97 .   He has published widely on the topic of the therapeutic relationship, including both empirical and theoretical articles and books. His work has focused on the real relationship, therapist countertransference, patient transference, the therapist amp ndash patient working alliance, and the interplay of these key concepts.   He has also been the editor of major journals, including his most recent editorship of Psychotherapy Theory, Research, Practice, amp amp Training. He has maintained a practice in psychotherapy throughout his career.   Dr. Gelso has received many honors and awards, including the Leona Tyler Award (from the Society of Counseling Psychology of the American Psychological Association), which is the top award in counseling psychology given for outstanding contributions to the field the Distinguished Psychologist Award from APA Division 29 (Psychotherapy) and a grant in his name awarded annually by APA Division 29.   Among his previous books are The Psychotherapy Relationship: Theory, Research, and Practice ( 998) and Countertransference and the Therapist's Inner Experience: Perils and Possibilities (2 7).