The Therapist-Client Relationship Explained
Therapy is most successful when a strong therapeutic relationship is present. This is certainly what the literature on common factors that foster change in therapy indicates. What's more, literature on the specific methods used by therapists indicates that what method the therapist utilizes is less significant in determining whether therapy is successful than the therapeutic relationship.
The Importance Of A Great Relationship With A Therapist In Edmonton
The client's safety and ability to open up with the therapist are at the heart of a strong and trusting relationship. The more open we are with our therapist, the better our collaboration and the more effective our work. In other words, our brains are wired for connection and attachment. Humans evolved as pack animals and survived by working together to meet their needs. As we feel seen, heard, and understood by a trusted therapist—which then enables us to show up authentically—our emotional needs are met.
The positive experience we have in trusting relationships with our therapists can help us better understand and counteract the consequences of difficult past experiences in trusting relationships. When the connection between client and therapist is strong, clients tend to access deeper self-awareness and recognize the importance of their intrinsic drive to move towards what is best for them.
Question Yourself
To see if your therapeutic relationship is likely to be successful, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:
How comfortable were you speaking with your therapist?
Does the therapist take steps to help you share when you may be struggling with a question?
Are you connecting or “vibing” with them?
Do you get the sense that they are non-judgmental, genuinely interested in you, and respectful of your stated or implicit boundaries?
Can you see yourself becoming more comfortable with them over time?
The answers to these questions will help you determine if this therapist is a good fit for you!
It takes time to build a strong working relationship in early sessions. If you're on the fence, you might consider waiting to decide whether to keep this therapist until you've had two or three sessions. Take note of whether your therapist is willing to discuss with you any concerns you may have in session. Therapists are trained to discuss troublesome experiences. It is important to be honest with your therapist about the way they misunderstood you or made you feel disconnected. These discussions might help you gain better insight into triggers, or they may allow the therapist to better understand you and reconnect with you. It's critical that both of us get what we want by discussing our distaste or worries, which is excellent for both of us.
Your therapy is a safe, welcoming, counseling practice offering confidential mental health assessment and treatment in Edmonton. We hope this article brought to you by your trusted Edmonton psychologists is helpful. As always, please feel free to reach out with questions about mental wellness and therapy in Edmonton.
