‘The human connection between client and therapist is the medium for change.’
(Bill O’Hanlon)
The therapeutic relationship (also therapeutic alliance, the helping alliance, or the working alliance) refers to the relationship between therapist and client. It is the means by which a therapist and a client hope to engage with each other, and effect beneficial change in the client. In fact, the key lies in the term itself: ‘alliance’ means that there is a sense of working together, that the therapist is not more powerful or privileged, and that it takes work on both sides to make progress.
Establishing the therapeutic alliance might be the most important part of beginning the therapy. Sometimes called the working alliance, the therapeutic alliance is the trust between patient and therapist that allows them to work together effectively. Trust is the basic ingredient. The client believes that the therapist is trustworthy and has the client’s best interest at heart.
What this means for you as the client is to choose to work with a therapist who you feel ‘gets you’ and is working alongside you. And for us as therapists here at NuVision Counselling, it means that while ongoing professional development and supervision are important, the critical thing is not to lose touch with the fundamental concept that it’s all about you the client, and our ability to connect and support you.
Here at NuVision counselling our aim is to facilitate a healthy working relationship and understand that there may be times when referral to another therapist may be necessary if that ‘good fit’ is not established.
