Building a strong therapeutic alliance
In client relationship psychology, the therapist’s role is to build a strong therapeutic alliance. There are several factors that contribute to the therapeutic alliance. In particular, the therapist’s focus on conflictual behavior patterns and the patient’s involvement in the therapy process all contribute to the improvement of the therapeutic alliance. Furthermore, fluctuations in the therapeutic alliance are often indicative of a re-emergence of avoidant strategies.
The therapist’s goal is to build a relationship based on mutual respect. This involves acknowledging the client for who they really are and not just the appearances they present. In the process, the therapist strives to create a safe space where the client can let their guards down and experience a healthy relationship.
However, there are some circumstances that can lead to a rupture in the therapeutic alliance. This may be the result of a disagreement regarding the patient’s goals or misinterpretation of the therapist’s role. The therapist should be aware of these situations and take action as needed to repair the rupture.
Building a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for a client to get the most out of therapy. It’s just as important as the type of treatment chosen. In fact, studies have shown that the quality of the therapeutic relationship can be a determinant of clinical outcomes.
There are different scales to assess the strength of the alliance. Some scales are based on individual psychotherapy.
