2.3 - Therapeutic Relationship

Question 0

Give some information about the transference consideration

Answer 0

It is affected by attachment patterns
Is a focus of psychodynamic approaches
Can include countertransference which must be managed by self insight, anxiety management, empathy and conceptualising

Question 1

What are the three types of therapeutic relationships as proposed by Gelso and Hayes (1998)?

Answer 1

Transference configuration: the idea that feeling/attitudes towards the therapist are influenced by experiences from previous significant relationships

The real relationship – established through the magnitude of genuineness realism and the absence of transference

The working alliance – showing the client that therapy is a collaborative approach which is strongest when goals tasks are agreed upon and there is mutual respect between a client and the therapist

Question 2

Describe the real relationship

Answer 2

Is the opposite end of the spectrum to the transference configuration
Can be enhanced by authenticity reliability and respect
Is characterised by realism and genuineness

Question 3

Describe the working alliance

Answer 3

The working alliance is characterised by goals tasks and bond

Question 4

List some general facts about the therapeutic alliance

Answer 4

The therapeutic alliance provides a corrective emotional experience

The alliance changes through therapy and character rise by rupture and repair

Client resistance can be positive as it indicates a strong sense of self