Therapeutic Relationship

Historically, the alliance construct refers to the effective relationship between the therapist-patient and varying aspects of the alliance have been studied, for example, the relationship and outcomes (Horvarth & Bedi, 2002, Lustig et al, 2002), the role of the alliance (Horvarth & Luborsky, 1993) and the therapist’s behaviours that predict the alliance (Duff and Bedi, 2010) and failures in the alliance (Duff & Bedi, 2010). Lambert & Barley (2001) argue that a supportive alliance accounts on average for 30% of the variance in outcomes, whereas theory and techniques only accounts for 15% of the variance in outcomes. In comparison to the coaching relationship, the reverse is true as the same study (Grant, 2014) indicate theory and techniques account for 18.49% of the variance in outcomes whereas a supportive

The whole reason for a therapeutic relationship is to facilitate a successful patient outcome. Each person is unique and has different needs.

Human services professionals are those who facilitate and empower those in society who require assistance in meeting their basic human needs both emotionally, mentally, and physically. Human services professionals work with diverse cultures in many different settings to provide prevention, education, and resources for individuals, families, groups and communities. Some of the populations served are, children and families, adolescents, and the homeless. To support groups in crisis human services professionals must be committed, patient, possess listening skills, and have an ability to be empathetic without reducing one’s ability to be empowered (Martin, 2011).

A therapeutic relationship is a key component in the nursing profession. Without therapeutic relationships, the best possible care can never be provided. The foundation in which trust is built upon is created from the nurse’s ability to truly listen and respond appropriately. Listening creates the base in developing a strong, trusting relationship. Sometimes it is simply hearing what a patient says that makes all the difference, empowering them to open up and become more comfortable with the nurse (Hawkins-Walsh, 2000).

Working as a counsellor, it is important to create a genuine relationship with the client. However, this can be challenging due to certain differences and diversities that each individual has. Our society is very multicultural. Often, individuals are misunderstood due to lack of knowledge and prejudices that our society has of other cultures, beliefs and religions. Pittu Laungani believes “Each culture has something of value to offer to another culture and equally importantly something of value to learn and imbibe from another culture”. (Pittu Laungani ‘University of Toronto 2005) Every individual has their own set of morals, values and beliefs and this is what makes each of us so different and diverse from one other. As a counsellor, it

C O U N S E L L I N G P A P E R

Human service professionals continue to use soft skills to help interact and effectively work with the family members. The ability to show compassion and empathy is essential as it allows the therapist to understand how the family is feeling even though they may not have had similar experiences and help to change the family dynamics. Working alliance is established though the counselor conveying warmth, interest, and respect to the client (Safron & Muran, 1988 as cited in McCarthy). A therapist must also display non-verbal behaviors that relates to client sensitivities of empathy, such as eye contact, concerned, engaging, acknowledgment of understanding, tone of voice, and not interrupting.

In this essay, I am going to give a structured reflective account on the development of a therapeutic relationship with a client on one of my clinical placements as part of my training as a student nurse. I will be using a reflective model which explores the processes involved in developing and maintaining such relationships bearing in mind theoretical knowledge and how it applies to this clinical experience. Jasper (2003) describes reflective practice as one of the ways that professionals learn from experience in order to understand and develop their practice. As a trainee health care professional, I have learnt the importance of reflection in

The purpose of this essay is to reflect on a positive therapeutic interaction that I observed in practice on my placement. Firstly I will give a brief summary of the situation that I observed, followed by evidence that will be supporting why I considered to be a positive interaction, reflecting on what I observed, including feelings and thoughts, also what I have learned by observing and how I can apply my finding to my next practice.

Confidentiality in a therapeutic relationship can be defined as any communication, diagnosis, or treatment between a patient and a mental health professional. Confidentiality and trust are critical components of a good therapeutic relationship therefore, it is imperative that mental health professionals thoroughly explain the meaning of confidentiality and disclosure clauses to their potential clients.

This essay will explore the nature of the therapeutic process; using my fifty minute long real play session with one of my colleagues. Also, I will explore my experience of the therapeutic relationship and how it influences therapeutic change and increase the affectivity of the therapy.

Research has shown rapport-building has a direct correlation to affirmative change. Whereas rapport is vital to establish a meaningful dialogue the counselor must also use this relationship as a vehicle for promoting a viable and transformation in the clients thinking and behavior. The rapport or therapeutic relationship ensures

Understanding the counseling session from the client’s perspective is a very important aspect in the development of a therapeutic relationship. A clinician must be an excellent listener, while being to pay attention to the client’s body language, affect and tone. The dynamics in the counseling session that is beneficial to the client include the recognition of the pain that the client is feeling. The detrimental part of this includes a misunderstanding of the real issues, a lack of consideration of the cultural aspects of the client, and a lack of clinical experience or listening skills. In this presentation, we will discuss the positive and negative aspects of the counseling session from the client’s perspective which

Joshua, I like your discussion board. Your discussion board was very interesting. In your discussion board, there is no weakness or suggested alternatives that need to be given. I agree with your decision making with Jean. I agree with your statement that a counselor cannot confront a sin without building therapeutic relationship with their clients. Building a therapeutic relationship with their client is very healthy and it can establish great feedback between the client and the counselor.

Over the course of the term we have looked at basic aspects of counselling and interpersonal skills, how we understand and relate to them as well as how we have experienced them within our counselling triads. Within the Humanistic schools of theory, we have looked at Person-Centred Counselling, Transactional Analysis and Gestalt, under the heading ‘Integrative learning’. This has allowed me to identify my own preferences and strengths in relation to each theory and apply them in learning triads. I shall also be focussing on interpersonal skills of a more generic nature, and how they can be applied to ease, encourage and explain interactions. Repeatedly this term I have found myself fascinated with the importance of the ‘Therapeutic