Problem: Create a reply on this discussion supporting the content with peer-reviewed resources on APA 7th edition in-text citation and references not older than 5 years. the reply should have follow-up questions or provide additional ideas that expand on the topic.
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A very important component of successful psychotherapy is that of the "therapeutic alliance." This is even more important during the initial therapy session, wherein basically, two important aims exist. These include developing a relationship and evaluating patient safety. "Therapeutic alliance is defined as the collaboration and affective relationship between therapist and patient, and agreement on therapeutic goals and tasks as well as development of mutual trust." This is supported as "the quality of the therapeutic relationship is strongly associated with treatment outcome and is one of the strongest positive predictors of successful treatment outcomes (flückiger et al., 2018, Horvath et al., 2018)."
A strong alliance early in the treatment process increases patient engagement and adherence to treatment suggestions. Patients who view the therapeutic relationship as empathy-oriented, trustworthy, and collaborative are more apt to share intimate information. Such information is consequential for the initial safety evaluation process (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). Furthermore, the alliance facilitates the regulation of emotions. Patients will have the feeling of safe exploration of emotions when the alliance is strong (Safran et al., 2019).
There are a number of psychotherapeutic approaches which have evidence to back them up in establishing a robust therapeutic relationship. Empathic communication, a core skill, is a powerful validating tool, acknowledging patients' subjective experience in a non-verbal, verbal message of understanding. Empathy has been found to strongly correlate to a robust therapeutic relationship and positive outcomes (Elliott et al., 2018). A therapist who uses reflective comments, appropriate levels of eye contact, along with comments of concern, are effective in establishing trust.
Active involvement of patients in goal setting is another useful approach that encourages patients to be actively involved in setting goals for therapy. This approach increases patient autonomy, which in turn increases the sense of responsibility among patients regarding the whole process of therapy. This further increases the alliance (Flückiger et al., 2018). Finally, transparency and psychoeducation also help build an alliance in therapy by providing patients with knowledge about what is expected from them during this process (Norcross & Lambert, 2019).
Lastly, the recognition of rupture and repair is also a necessary therapy skill. Misunderstandings, no matter how small, have the potential to jeopardize the bond when not effectively addressed. When therapists show understanding through the acknowledgment of concerns and the repair of rupture, it fosters responsiveness and respect, which eventually enhances the bond (Safran et al., 2019).
The therapeutic relationship is an essential part of effective psychotherapy. Moreover, it is even more important during the first session. The therapist is able to achieve this through empathy, cooperation, openness, and responsiveness in communication. These practices will help in forming an effective relationship, ensuring safety assessment and engagement. Need Assignment Help?