Developing an effective therapeutic relationship is our priority. This is because research over the past 50 years has demonstrated that one factor — more than any other — is associated with successful treatment: the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client.
Strikingly, the quality of the therapeutic relationship appears critical to treatment success no matter what type of treatment is utilised. Conversely, clients who report poor relationships with their therapists are more likely to drop out of treatment early. An effective therapeutic relationship consists of three essential qualities: an emotional bond of trust, caring, and respect; agreement on the goals of therapy; and collaboration on the “work” or tasks of the treatment.
Since the relationship with your therapist is critical to treatment success we want you to feel comfortable with your therapist. If you find that the relationship with your therapist is not working for you, we encourage you to talk to your therapist about it. Your therapist will definitely not get offended, and will appreciate the opportunity to address any issues. If however, after trying to work it through with your therapist it still doesn’t feel right, we can facilitate engagement with another therapist.
