Real and unreal elements within the psychotherapy relationship.

This article honors Charles Gelso by examining the ways in which he embodied intellectual curiosity, clarity, and precision in theoretical writings and scientifically rigorous research with regard to two central aspects of the psychotherapy relationship: countertransference and the real relationship. We offer a behind-the-scenes perspective of what it was like to work closely with Charlie, with the associated demands and joys. Finally, we offer some future directions for scholarship on countertransference and the real relationship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).