The Therapeutic Relationship

The Therapeutic Relationship refers to the relationship between the person seeking therapy and the therapist. In my experience as a mental health clinician and someone who has experienced therapy, it is the most important aspect of achieving clinical goals and enhancing the overall wellbeing of the person and quite frankly myself as the provider. 

One of my most cherished theoretical concepts is unconditional positive regard. That derives from the understanding that we are all flawed humans in one way or another. Unconditional positive regard means that I may agree or disagree with someone’s behavior but will treat a person with dignity and respect. Dignity and respect is a reciprocal process in the therapeutic relationship. 

What a person can expect from sitting down with me is a passion for understanding and attending to a person’s overall well being including their relationship with their society, community, family and most importantly themselves. 

As a therapist I expect that the person will show up to the conversation with honesty and an understanding that uncomfortable feelings sometimes come and like waves they crash and then fold back into the ocean. 

My job as a therapist is to help people find an understanding in the uncomfortable and prepare them to face whatever uncomfortable feelings that may arise. Some strategies that I use to support people are to identify people’s strengths and point out areas of improvement in understanding. 

I often tell people that during sessions, we can practice the skills we want to work on. If you are afraid to say something, say it with me and see what happens. Overall, the experience of a therapeutic relationship can be challenging and epically rewarding. 

A therapeutic relationship is built on authenticity, trust, and unconditional positive regard.