All effective psychological treatments have some common features (sometimes called "common factors") thought to be important to generating positive outcomes. The therapeutic alliance is one of the most significant common factors known to have an mportant impact on psychotherapy outcomes.
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance is the positive collaborative working relationship between client and therapist characterized by the development of common therapeutic goals, agreement on the major tasks of therapy, and a positive underlying relationship which includes empathy on the part of the therapist (ability to get "into your shoes" and see it from your point of view).
Some questions to ask to evaluate your therapy experience:
+ Do I feel that my therapist is consistently attuned to what I am thinking and feeling?
+ Do I feel that I can openly and freely communicate my feelings to my therapist?
+ Do I feel that my therapist is open to my feedback and discussion of any problems I am experiencing (including problems in therapy)?
+ Do I feel that my therapist and I have worked together to develop common goals for my treatment?
+ Do I feel that my therapy and I are working together in a collaborative partnership toward accomplishing my goals?
+ Do I feel that my therapist and I have a clear plan on how to reach my goals?
+ Is my therapist encouraging me to try out new ways of thinking and new behaviors?
Information about Psychological Treatment
What is Evidence-based Treatment?
Other Psychological Treatment Resources