2. The purpose of a therapeutic relationship is to assist the individual in
therapy to change his or her life for the better. Such a relationship is
essential, as it is oftentimes the first setting in which the person receiving
treatment shares intimate thoughts, beliefs, and emotions regarding the
issue(s) in question. As such, it is very important that therapist provides a
safe, open, and non-judgmental atmosphere where the affected individual
can be at ease.
Ardito, R. B. & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of
psychotherapy: Historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for
research. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 270. doi: 3389/fpsyg.2011.00270
3. Trust, respect, and congruence are major components of a good
therapeutic relationship. Therapists are encouraged to show empathy and
genuineness. As with any other social relationship, the therapeutic
relationship has boundaries which help to define acceptable and
unacceptable behaviors.
Ardito, R. B. & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of
psychotherapy: Historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for
research. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 270. doi: 3389/fpsyg.2011.00270
4. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is a vital step in the recovery
process and for the relationship to be productive, trust is key. A
person seeking a therapist must trust that his or her therapist has the
knowledge, skill set, and desire to provide appropriate care. Since the
balance of power in the therapeutic relationship greatly favors the
therapist, a person in treatment must also trust that confidential
matters will remain confidential, and that he or she is safe from harm or
exploitation at the hands of the therapist.
How do we build trust?
Ardito, R. B. & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of
psychotherapy: Historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for
research. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 270. doi: 3389/fpsyg.2011.00270
5. An unhealthy therapeutic relationship is the consequence of violating the boundaries
and ethics of acceptable behavior within the association. In some cases an unhealthy
therapeutic relationship can cause significant harm to the person in therapy.
Pays no attention to the changes you want to make and the goals you wish to achieve
while in therapy.
Is judgmental of your conduct, lifestyle, or situation.
Provides no explanation of how you are supposed to know your therapy is complete.
Tries to be your friend outside of therapy or start a romantic relationship with you.
Tries to touch you without prior consent.
Talks too much or not at all.
Tries to make decisions for you.
6. Rogers was deliberate in his use of the term client rather than patient. He
believed that the term patient implied that the individual was sick and
seeking a cure from a therapist. By using the term client instead, Rogers
emphasized the importance of the individual in seeking assistance,
controlling their destiny, and overcoming their difficulties. This self-
direction plays a vital part in client-centered therapy.
https://www.verywellmind.com/client-centered-therapy-2795999
7. Carl Rogers – Client Centered Therapy
He was a humanist thinker and believed that people are fundamentally good.
Rogers also suggested that people have an actualizing tendency, or a desire to
fulfill their potential and become the best people that they can be –
Unconditional positive regard.
The therapist must accept the client for who they are and display support and
care no matter what the client is facing or experiencing. Rogers believed that
people often develop problems because they are accustomed to only receiving
conditional support; acceptance that is only offered if the person conforms to
certain expectations. By creating a climate of unconditional positive regard, the
client feels able to express his or her true emotions without fear of rejection.
https://www.verywellmind.com/client-centered-therapy-2795999
8. Person First Language
The main idea behind using person first language is to acknowledge
people as people first, before any other words are used, rather than
referring to them in terms of a diagnosis or condition. Using Person-First
Language in regards to addiction means someone is a “person with a
substance use disorder.
https://lagunashoresrecovery.com/resources/what-is-person-first-
language/
9. Person First Language
Person first language is widely thought of as being very important to use
in order to maintain an environment of dignity, respect and
hope. 1 Using person first language is also a more accurate way of
speaking about people. Placing the person first and the disability
second helps eliminate stereotypesthat can form. Putting the person first
when describing someone with a disability or disease can positively
influence the images and impressions we form about them. 2
https://lagunashoresrecovery.com/resources/what-is-person-first-
language/
10. Examples of person first language:
Instead of using the above terms to identify people with a substance abuse
disorder, it’s preferable to use the following person first language:
Person with substance use disorder/condition
Person with alcohol use disorder/condition
Some who is not actively using substances
Person in active addiction
Person in recovery
Person engaged in risky use of substances
Drug-free
Alcohol and drug disorder/condition
Alcohol and drug disease
