Therapeutic relationship: Riding on a bumpy road and steering through to the destination

oleh: Abhishek Ghosh

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01

Deskripsi

Therapeutic relationship runs a dynamic course; it usually grows and intensifies with time, but there could be unforeseeable twists and disruptions. The course, to no small extent, is contributed by the therapist's dispositions and expertise on a particular theoretical orientation. Expertise is dependent on experience, level, and quality of training. Disruptions, although unwanted, give an opportunity to reflect upon the shortcomings and are an impetus for a course correction, which more often than not gives a desirable result. In this case discussion, I shall describe the highs and lows in a therapeutic relationship. After the initial euphoria, the therapist's inexperience, limited skills, and a wrong decision would contribute to significant disruption. However, the therapist's awareness of his/her limitations, a motivation to learn, and active help from mentors and colleagues would provide momentum in the second half of the therapy, which finally would see the daylight of success.