The Client-Therapist Relationship

I truly believe, after having practiced for over ten years as a psychologist, that it is the client-therapist relationship which makes or breaks the outcome of therapy. Psychotherapy, whether used as a primary or adjunctive treatment plays an important role in both the recovery and continued well-being of the individual seeking help.

I remember, as an intern, helping a young physiotherapy student to overcome her fear of the practical examination in order to obtain her degree. I found a wonderful tool (called ACP or something - I cannot even remember now) and she passed. When she came to thank me I said something along the lines of "ACP really works, doesn't it?" to which she replied "Well, actually, it wasn't that. What was important to me was the fact that you believed I could do it". And that certainly set me thinking.

One of our first lectures as Masters Students had covered the "first interview" and just how important it was. And even today, I can see the link between failed or successful therapies, and the first interview - how I linked with the client. There was a time when I was a bit out of practice, and going through a tough time personally. I can clearly remember a client coming to me, and me being so busy philosophizing about her problem, that when she left, I felt no real bond with her. I also knew she would never return. She never did, and I had learned another lesson (more about this later).

So what is the client-therapist relationship, and why does it work? Well, I guess that first and foremost it exists in a context. This was again drilled into me when I read "The Deep End of the Ocean", when Vincent unfavorably compared his psychologist's lush offices with the social-worker's very basic one. Of course, a plush lounge suite in a very poor area might also not go down too well. Know your clientele, and work accordingly. Soothing colors, comfortable seats and privacy go a long way to creating the right atmosphere. Your childhood teddy bear or other personal touch sitting atop your file cabinet or window ledge tells your client soundlessly that you too are a human being. One's office need not be overdone - but contextual markers do help. Your degrees are evidence of your qualifications, and it is a good idea to display them - all of them. Such items help to set the client at rest with respect to your ability to help him/her. And with a person who is feeling nervous and insecure, it does not hurt to help the process

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