The Therapeutic Alliance

Oftentimes when people think of counseling they think of laying on a plush couch talking about one’s childhood while the therapist makes notes on a notepad. The therapist shows you inkblot pictures and forces word associations while grunting judgmentally. Counseling, however, has grown beyond those early years of freudian slips and has become much more person centered. Good therapists today take the stance that the client is the expert on their own life. Curiosity and empathy are the greatest tools a therapist has. Curiosity leads to understanding of the clients experience which leads to empathy for their situation. Empathy and understanding provides the framework for the therapeutic alliance.

The therapeutic alliance can be defined as the relationship between the client and the counselor and is one of the main goals of counseling. It is through this therapeutic alliance that trust is built. Without it, the therapist has no voice into the client's life. Why would a person talk to and divulge intimate details of their life to someone who they do not trust and do not have a strong relationship with? 

There are several characteristics of the therapeutic alliance. The counselor ought to exhibit attributes to encourage the therapeutic alliance. Exploration, reflection, noting past therapy success, accurate interpretation, facilitating the expression of affect, and attending to the patient’s experience are things that should be present in a therapist for a solid therapeutic alliance to be cultivated. 

Without an alliance, therapy is stunted and unable to grow. When a strong alliance is achieved, the client and the therapist can collaborate in the therapy work to achieve personal growth of the client. It is a vital part of all good counseling. When starting counseling, look for this alliance. Look for a counselor you vibe with and can work well with. It is ok to not be compatible with every therapist. Finding a good fit is important. Seek out a therapeutic alliance.