Theaputic Alliance

I believe in the power of the therapeutic alliance!

Many studies indicate that the therapeutic alliance is the best predictor of treatment outcome. That means that regardless of the clinician’s therapeutic bent, what is most vital to the process is that each client feel unconditionally accepted, supported, and understood by their therapist. Although the building of this relationship of course takes time, you really should know within the first or second session if you feel this connection or not. And from there, the alliance should only become stronger with time.

I often use an analogy of boating to describe what the therapeutic process might feel like. Picture two people in a canoe. One person is providing rowing power while watching for obstacles and alerting their partner of what lies ahead, while the other is navigating the course and steering in the intended direction. They are both working together to charter their trip successfully. Although always co-captains on this journey, you as the client, are always in control, deciding where you’d like to go and when you’ve reached your destination.