The Therapeutic Relationship

It is common for people to feel uncomfortable about exploring their feelings and experiences in therapy, especially when the therapist is someone they have never met before. Different feelings may start to arise. You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or nervous, all valid feelings when attending your first or any therapy session. You may question yourself about how you can open up to your therapist. Can you trust your therapist? Again, all valid thoughts.

Within therapy, we have what is called the therapeutic relationship, also known as the therapeutic alliance, which is the relationship that is built between the client and the therapist during the therapeutic process. This is the most vital foundation to therapy for both client and therapist. This is the first stepping stone that both the client and therapist need to take together when starting a therapeutic journey.

Why is the Therapeutic Relationship important?

The formation of the therapeutic relationship is the first step in therapy. This is a crucial step, as therapists want to be approachable in the space, and clients need the space to be supported. A formed relationship between client and therapist during the therapeutic process is important because it creates a safe and supportive environment. In creating a supportive environment in which the client feels safe, the therapeutic process can take its course, and then both client and therapist can work together to explore the goals that the client has stated they would like to work on in therapy. Building the therapeutic relationship takes time to form, and it will continue to form throughout the process. In some cases, the therapeutic relationship may never form in the early stages of the therapeutic process; in this case, it could be that the therapeutic approach or therapist may not be for you. This doesn’t mean that the therapist is bad at their job or that you are being resistant; it's just that their approach might not be for you and your needs, which is absolutely normal. Finding the right therapist and modality is important. Have you read our blog on ‘Our Proven 3-Step Process to Finding the Right Therapist’? If not, you can find it here:

https://www.lighthousetherapyhub.co.uk/blog/our-proven-3-step-process-to-find-the-right-therapist

How does the therapeutic relationship form?

The relationship built between the client and therapist should come naturally; it shouldn't be forced, the process should be organic and authentic. In the therapy space, no individual should be in a higher position than the other, it is an equal space for both therapist and client to explore together.

So the question is, how can both the client and therapist help build the relationship during the therapeutic process? They can do this by being:

● Open and honest

● Respectful and non-judgemental

● Empathetic

● Understanding eachothers boundaries

● Authentic

● Actively listening

These are just some of the many things that can be done to build the therapeutic relationship. Creating a contract with each other at the start of the therapeutic process can help both client and therapist be honest about how they would like the sessions to be, and it creates a boundary for the space. Contract creating can sound scary but it is a useful tool for clients to express what they would like from the therapist and vice versa. This can be done verbally or it can be done together creatively, which it can involve words, phrases, and drawing done by both client and therapist.

The Impact of the Therapeutic Relationship

The impact of the therapeutic relationship can have great value in your therapy sessions and also in your other relationships outside of the therapeutic space. The impact of a strong therapeutic relationship can:

● Inform clients about how they can build trusting relationships.

● Show clients that making mistakes is normal.

● Help clients trust and open up in therapy sessions, enabling them to share their experiences and emotions with their therapist.

● Let them be their authentic self in and out of sessions.

● Helps individuals to feel calm and at ease within sessions.

● It can also help individual have more of an understanding about their relationships around them.

Attending therapy for the first time can be anxiety-provoking, seeing a new therapist can be challenging, and trying a new modality of therapy can raise questions. Using a free consultation call can help you understand what can be offered in the therapy space, the therapist can introduce themselves and how they work, it can also give you the chance to ask any questions that might be worrying you. If you are thinking of attending therapy or about to start therapy, you have overcome a massive hurdle and you should be proud of yourself for taking that step!

AR