Therapeutic relationship

The therapeutic relationship refers to the relationship between a healthcare professional and a client or patient. 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 psychoanalysis the therapeutic relationship has been theorized to consist of three parts: the working alliance, transference/countertransference, and the real relationship.^[1]^[2]^[3] Evidence on each component's unique contribution to the outcome has been gathered, as well as evidence on the interaction between components.^[4] In contrast to a social relationship, the focus of the therapeutic relationship is on the client's needs and goals.^[5]

^ Greenson, R.R. (1967) The technique and practice of psychoanalysis. (Vol.1). New York: International Universities Press.
^ Gelso, C.J. & Carter, J. (1985). The relationship in counseling and psychotherapy: Components, consequences, and theoretical antecedents. Counseling Psychologist, 13, 155-243.
^ Gelso, C.J. & Carter, J. (1994). Components of the psychotherapy relationship: Their interaction and unfolding during treatment. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 41, 296-306.
^ Gelso, C.J. & Samstag, L.W. (2008). A Tripartite Model of the Therapeutic Relationship. Handbook of Counseling Psychology (4th ed.). (pp. 267-280).
^ http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/outreach/occyshn/training-education/upload/DevelopingTheraputicRelationships_Ch10.pdf ^{[dead link]}

[1] Greenson, R.R. (1967) The technique and practice of psychoanalysis. (Vol.1). New York: International Universities Press.

[2] Gelso, C.J. & Carter, J. (1985). The relationship in counseling and psychotherapy: Components, consequences, and theoretical antecedents. Counseling Psychologist, 13, 155-243.

[3] Gelso, C.J. & Carter, J. (1994). Components of the psychotherapy relationship: Their interaction and unfolding during treatment. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 41, 296-306.

[4] Gelso, C.J. & Samstag, L.W. (2008). A Tripartite Model of the Therapeutic Relationship. Handbook of Counseling Psychology (4th ed.). (pp. 267-280).

[5] ttp://www.ohsu.edu/xd/outreach/occyshn/training-education/upload/DevelopingTheraputicRelationships_Ch10.pdf ^{[dead link]}

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