What is the Therapeutic Relationship and How Important is it?

What is the Therapeutic Relationship and How Important is it?

One day, you may have decided, or a suggestion was made to you by a friend, family member, or co-worker, that you should reach out and talk to someone professionally. So, you quickly go and do a Google search, and ‘voila!’ you are provided with many different options of psychologists within your geographical radius. You wonder to yourself; does it really matter who I book an appointment with and how importance is this decision?

Therapeutic Relationship

When choosing a psychologist there are considerations pertaining to whether one would be a good fit, such as their experience working with your presenting concern and the type of treatment approaches they use, to name a few. While these are important to consider, research has consistently shown that the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of treatment success. So, what is a therapeutic relationship?

A therapeutic relationship is built between the psychologist and client, which can be an individual, family, or couple. It is the essential foundation of therapy, and is built on authenticity, nonjudgement, and empathy. These aspects help build trust, which in turn, promote honesty.

Now, let us continue with our scenario of attending the first therapy session. Today is the day for your session, and you are greeted in the waiting room by the psychologist. They lead to you to their therapy room to begin the session. Once seated, you wonder to yourself, aside from the verbal communication between you and your psychologist, are there other aspects that help build the therapeutic relationship?

Therapy Room

The therapy room’s main purpose is to promote healing; everything that you can visually see has been included intentionally. This ranges from the paint color chosen for the walls, the pictures or decorative features throughout, the type of furniture for comfortability, and the lighting either bright or dim. This space is a place where clients display courage by talking about past or current struggles or desires for their future. The psychologist promotes safety through their presence, and the therapy room is an extension of that safe space.

Conclusion

As a client, it is important to remember that therapy is for you! Although collaborative, letting your psychologist know if something is working or not working, is essential, as it allows the psychologist to make adjustments or if necessary, provide a referral. Take a look at the staff here at Insight Psychological (Our Team – Insight Psychological) to see if one feels like a good fit to join you on your therapeutic journey!

Written by: Brianna Hominiuk