The therapeutic relationship has great importance in psychotherapy. It can constitute, in itself, a curative element of the treatment by establishing a solid link between the two parties involved.
Depending on the psychological current in question, we will find different definitions of the therapeutic bond. In any case, this concept refers to the relationship between the therapist and the patient in the context of the therapeutic relationship. It is a construction, created jointly between the two, that allows psychological intervention.
However, if there is something that unites the different schools of Psychology, apart from the search for the patient’s well-being, it is the importance they give to this link so that the intervention is truly useful. Not all of them give it the same prominence, but they all agree in considering it fundamental.
What dimensions does the therapeutic relationship include?
- Goals of the treatment, established jointly by both parties.
- Activities to achieve these objectives, designed by the therapist based on the objectives.
- Bond between therapist and patient.
How do you achieve a good therapeutic bond?
The bond of trust and empathy is built through the therapeutic relationship, understood as the agreements on sessions, objectives, tasks, goals, etc. that establish the two protagonists of the therapy.
Different studies have related this link to the success of the intervention. In general, everyone agrees that their role is very significant and some have even tried to measure it. The latter affirm that the proper functioning and result of the therapy depends between 36% and 66% on the therapeutic relationship that has been established. Numbers aside or not, it is obvious that good understanding between the psychologist and his patient has a determining role in promoting the therapeutic process.
There are several factors that influence the consolidation of a good therapeutic alliance. For example, Carl Rogersa driving figure of humanistic Psychology, highlights three basic elements for the creation of a therapeutic bond that depend directly on the therapist:
- Empathy: the ability to see the world through the patient’s eyes, to understand the other person’s experience and make it our own to help them.
- Unconditional acceptance: to create a climate of safety that allows the patient to express themselves freely, without fear of being judged or rejection.
- Authenticity or consistency: the professional’s willingness to relate transparently with his or her patient, abandoning any imposed professional façade.
Regarding the attitudes and skills of the psychotherapist, other authors emphasize:
- Active listening
- Patient trust
- Communication assertive
- Adapt your language to the patient’s communication style.
In reference to both (psychologist and patient), other authors have spoken of:
- Trust and mutual responsibility
- He consensus of therapy goals established by both parties
- Take into account the feedback of the patient
What must both parties achieve for the therapeutic relationship to be a success?
- Therapist and patient must come to an agreement agreementwith the aim of achieving growth and improving the patient’s well-being, in a context in which roles must be perfectly defined.
- The therapist must be in charge of accompany the patient so that he can achieve the changes he needs to achieve that well-being.
- The patient must develop confidence and motivation to achieve that well-being.
If a good therapeutic relationshipthe patient will most likely abandon therapy during the first few sessions.
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