It contributes to aclient feeling safe and respectedso that therapy can succeed.
Therapeutic rapport refers to theempathic(caring) and shared understanding of issues between a therapist and a client.
It implies a team approach to the management of these issues in contrast to an adversarial approach.
Tom M Johnson / Getty Images
Therapeutic rapport is a cornerstone of most forms of psychotherapy, includingcognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT).
CBT is a jot down of talk therapy that focuses on changing inaccurate or negative thought patterns.
Studies have shown that being able to trust and respect a therapist is essential to a client-therapist relationship.
How will you know if your therapist is taking the time to understand your needs?
As therapy continues, a therapist will continue to utilize strategies that foster and support effective therapeutic rapport.
Client Feedback
A therapist will offer feedback in the moment rather just than in a later session.
It also shows that they see you as a collaborator in the therapeutic process.
Collaboration
A therapist will encourage you to be active and feel empowered in regard to yourtreatment plan.
You will work together as mutual partners in your treatment.
Recap
There are a number of things a therapist can do to help help build therapeutic rapport.
This includes being genuine, responsive, flexible, and collaborative.
Providing feedback to your therapist is another way to help develop a good rapport.
By asking for feedback, your therapist indicates they see you as an active participant in the healing process.
This is why it is important to be so honest.
That said, personality can play a large role in developing rapport with your therapist.
There are many good therapists out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin your search by thinking about who you might feel most comfortable talking with.
Check their credential and background and narrow your search down.
The good news is that it’s possible for you to talk about these apprehensions in therapy.
Your therapist can help you explore these feelings and help you to feel more comfortable during your sessions.
If it just doesn’t seem to be working, talk to your therapist instead of just quitting therapy.
But if they don’t seem receptive to feedback, it is okay to find another therapist.
2020;10:965. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00965
Easterbrook, CJ.
2016;16(1):99-108. doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2015.08.001
Special issue: What works for whom?
Evidence-based responsiveness in psychotherapy.Journal of Clinical Psychology.
2018;74(11):1885-2942.
2017;25(4):240-246. doi:10.5455/aim.2017.25.240-246
Koole SL.
Tschacher W.Synchrony in psychotherapy: A review and an integrative framework for the therapeutic alliance.Front Psychol.
2015;22(4):317-327. doi:10.1002/cpp.1891
