Psychotherapy Revised

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is like a “dance” where the therapist and client work together closely.
Therapy allows them to form a unique and trusting connection. Despite the many
therapy types, they all have one main thing in common: building a relationship to help
the client heal or feel better. Because of this, anyone in a helping role should
understand the value and depth of this special connection.
What Is the Therapeutic Alliance in Psychology?
The therapeutic alliance in psychology is the strong, trusting relationship between a
therapist and client. Research shows that this relationship, rather than the specific type
or technique of therapy, is key to a client’s improvement. In fact, only a small part of
therapy success depends on the chosen method—qualities like empathy,
understanding, and trust between the therapist and client are much more important.
Historically, Freud first saw this bond as “transference,” but he later recognized its
positive side. Other psychologists, like Carl Rogers, built on this idea, emphasizing
empathy, honesty, and unconditional support from the therapist. This alliance means
the therapist and client work together to face the client’s struggles and create positive
changes.
Studies show that a strong therapeutic alliance helps clients stay committed to therapy,
follow treatment plans, and reach better outcomes across many issues and settings.
Therapeutic Relationship Model: 3 Components Explained

The therapeutic relationship model includes three main components that help clients
heal and improve through therapy: transference, working alliance, and real
relationship.
 Transference
Freud first explained transference in 1905 as bringing old feelings from past
relationships into therapy. These are emotions from significant past people or
events that unconsciously get "transferred" onto the therapist. This transfer of
feelings isn’t about the real relationship with the therapist but is a mix of old
emotions and unconscious memories. New research sees transference as a two-
way communication that lets clients think about their past and work through old
feelings, which can help them form healthier relationships.
 Working Alliance
The working alliance is about teamwork in therapy. It’s like joining the client’s
reasonable, open side with the therapist’s expert, understanding side, 3 parts of
working alliance are
 Tasks: These are the steps, techniques, and methods the therapist and client
use to help the client reach their goals.
 Goals: What the client wants to achieve through therapy, which depends on
the issues they bring.
 Bond: The trust and confidence that grow between the therapist and client,
helping them believe that the tasks they’re doing will lead to the client’s goals.
 Real Relationship
This part of the therapeutic relationship is about the genuine connection
between the therapist and client. Explained in two main parts:
a. Genuineness: The therapist is real and honest, showing their true self
without pretending. They need to understand themselves well to present
an accurate picture in the relationship.
b. Realism: The therapist tries to see and understand the client accurately.
They show empathy and understanding, which helps them support the
client effectively.
4 Phases & Stages of the Alliance

The therapeutic alliance is a connection between therapist and client that changes over
time. It isn't always steady; sometimes there are challenges that get solved as they
work together.
Luborsky explains it in two parts:
1. Early Phase: At the start, it’s important for the client to feel that the therapist is
supportive and understands them.
2. Later Phase: As therapy progresses, both the therapist and client work together
to solve the client’s problems and reach their goals.
Rivera identified four stages in building this alliance:
1. Commitment
In this first stage, the client and therapist agree to put in effort to meet set goals.
Key factors here are how the client views the therapist, their motivation, and
how well they match in personality and experience. They may use tools, like the
"Miracle Question Worksheet," to picture the client’s ideal future.
2. Process
This is the main part of therapy, where the therapist observes patterns in the
client’s behavior and reactions. Here, the therapist works on understanding the
client’s triggers and patterns to help create the change. Different methods may
be used in this stage.
3. Change
In this stage, therapy has progressed, and the client starts accepting their
feelings and learns healthier habits to improve their life.
4. Termination
This is the end of therapy, where the client is ready to move forward
independently. By now, they have resolved any dependency on the therapist and
are prepared to handle their life on their own. A worksheet on "Preventing
Mental Health Relapse" can be useful here, helping clients remember signs to
watch for and encouraging them to stay active in caring for their mental health.
The therapeutic relationship is different from regular social relationships in a few key
ways:
1. Purposeful and Goal-Oriented: In therapy, the relationship has a clear aim. It’s
not just casual; both the therapist and client work together with specific goals to
help the client improve their life. This relationship is formed with mutual
agreement to focus on these goals.
2. Time-Dependent: Therapy has a set beginning and end. It goes through stages:
starting with commitment, then the process of therapy, followed by changes,
and finally, ending the relationship when therapy is complete.
3. Power Dynamic: There is a clear difference in power. The therapist has special
skills and knowledge that help the client. They know the methods to help the
client change and can analyze what the client shares. This relationship is one-
sided; the therapist focuses entirely on the client's needs without expecting
anything in return emotionally or mentally.

Psychotherapy Revised

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Psychotherapy Revised

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Psychotherapy Revised

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Psychotherapy

Therapeutic Relationship Model: 3 Components Explained

4 Phases & Stages of the Alliance

You might also like