IS THERE AN IDEAL THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP?
The most important element to therapy being effective is the creation of the therapeutic relationship. This is a relationship like no other a person will have and it is the essential component to therapy. An influential study (Fiedler, 1950) came up with the following findings which he claimed transcended the various schools of counselling and psychotherapy. Therapists of different orientations described the relationship which they considered ideal. The statements most characteristic of an ideal therapeutic relationship included:
An empathic relationship
Therapist and client relate well
Therapist sticks closely to the client’s problems
The client feels free to say what he likes
An atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence exists
Rapport is excellent
On the other hand, statements that were considered to be least helpful and characteristic of an ideal therapeutic relationship included:
A punitive therapist
Therapist makes the client feel neglected
The therapist seems to have no respect for the client
An impersonal, cold relationship
The therapist often puts the client ‘in his place’
The therapist curries favour with the client
These distinctions may seem self-evident. However, it might be worth referring to
them regularly to make sure that we continue to fulfil the more desirable criteria.
