Communication in the therapeutic relationship is a 'transactional process which involves a message exchange between participants through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviors.' The messages or signs fall into constellations of expressive behaviors. The three main signal systems are the lexical, which includes all speech activities; kinesic, which involves all body movements; and somatic, which incorporates the observable manifestations of the autonomic nervous system. Crucial in communication in the therapeutic relationships are understanding anger and depression during the interview, facilitating the interview by various techniques, and preparing the structure and setting of the interview. Communication is particularly difficult with abusing parents, because their own upbringing has not nurtured communication skills. Therapists must understand the origins of the limited communications skills of such persons and work within these limitations. The therapist must work hard at helping the clients to separate their feelings from their actions. Although the therapist understandably detests what the client has done in abusing a child, the therapist must accept the client's feelings and develop a communication process on this basis. 11 references.