The Relationship as the Foundation of Psychotherapy

A meaningful psychotherapy relationship requires the therapist to have an in-depth understanding and awareness of personal experiences and weaknesses. The therapist must be able to distinguish his or her own blind or hidden spots, such as possible non-therapeutic countertransference, from the therapist’s childhood experiences, which often influence his or her attitude in the treatment environment and in life in general.

Treatment integrity is continuously assessed through phenomenological investigation. This process involves an intersubjective, reciprocal flow of information between therapist and client, with respect, honesty and integrity as key principles. Mutuality in the relationship is crucial. As Hycner states, “Inclusion is the movement toward reaching the other side while maintaining awareness of one’s own personal experience.”

The Role of “Here and Now”

Erskine emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present, as unresolved conflicts and losses from the past are constantly being repeated in the present. Careful observation of clients’ behavior is essential to decoding primary childhood dramas, which are often relived in interactions with the therapist and with other people in their lives.

Instilling Hope in the Healing Relationship

Reinforcing hope is a key component of the healing relationship. Many times, the self-concept, self-image and deeply held beliefs of those in therapy have been reinforced to such an extent that their faith in change or in themselves has been exhausted. In these cases, therapy helps to redefine and renew the individual’s faith in the present, with a focus on what brings them joy, what fills them with meaning, and how they wish to relate to and approach change.