Therapeutic Relationship
A therapeutic relationship, or therapeutic alliance, refers to the close and consistent association that exists between at least two individuals: a health care professional and a person in therapy.
What is a Therapeutic Relationship?
The purpose of a therapeutic relationship is to assist the individual in therapy to change his or her life for the better. Such a relationship is essential, as it is oftentimes the first setting in which the person receiving treatment shares intimate thoughts, beliefs, and emotions regarding the issue(s) in question. As such, it is very important that therapist provides a safe, open, and non-judgmental atmosphere where the affected individual can be at ease.
Trust, respect, and congruence are major components of a good therapeutic relationship. Therapists are encouraged to show empathy and genuineness. As with any other social relationship, the therapeutic relationship has boundaries which help to define acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.
Why is a Therapeutic Relationship Important?
Establishing a therapeutic relationship is a vital step in the recovery process and for the relationship to be productive, trust is key. A person seeking a therapist must trust that his or her therapist has the knowledge, skill set, and desire to provide appropriate care. Since the balance of power in the therapeutic relationship greatly favors the therapist, a person in treatment must also trust that confidential matters will remain confidential, and that he or she is safe from harm or exploitation at the hands of the therapist.
Once the therapeutic relationship is formed, an individual in therapy might be more inclined to open up emotionally and provide further details about his or her concerns. This, in turn, helps the therapist to better comprehend the affected person’s point of view, feelings, and motives. Equipped with a more complete understanding of the situation, the therapist is then able to provide the most appropriate treatment and employ the most effective strategies in order to address the issue.
What Happens When a Therapeutic Relationship Is Not Healthy?
An unhealthy therapeutic relationship is the consequence of violating the boundaries and ethics of acceptable behavior within the association. In some cases an unhealthy therapeutic relationship can cause significant harm to the person in therapy.
There are many warning signs of inappropriate therapist behavior that a person in therapy can watch out for. Be cautious if your therapist:
- Pays no attention to the changes you want to make and the goals you wish to achieve while in therapy.
- Is judgmental of your conduct, lifestyle, or situation.
- Encourages you to blame friends, family members, or a partner.
- Provides no explanation of how you are supposed to know your therapy is complete.
- Tries to be your friend outside of therapy or start a romantic relationship with you.
- Tries to touch you without prior consent.
- Talks too much or not at all.
- Attempts to push his or her spiritual beliefs on you.
- Tries to make decisions for you.
Each person has the right to quality mental health care. If you believe you are experiencing a negative therapeutic relationship, you can take steps to address it. Options for resolving an unhealthy therapeutic relationship will vary depending on the unique situation; for example, they can include:
- Discussing your concerns openly with your therapist,
- Terminating therapy with that clinician,
- Meeting with another therapist for a second opinion,
- Filing a complaint with your therapist’s employer and/or licensing board,
- Seeking legal counsel or law enforcement support.
References:
- Ardito, R. B. & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of psychotherapy: Historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for research. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 270. doi: 3389/fpsyg.2011.00270
- de Rivera, J. L. G. (1992). The stages of psychotherapy. European Journal of Psychiatry, 6(1), 51-58.
Last Updated: 08-28-2015