The power of the therapeutic relationship
Central to the overall success of any therapeutic engagement, is the relationship between the caregiver and the care-recipient. When we seek out the services of a health, wellness or healing provider, we are most often, looking for their expert opinions, treatments and guidance. We respect that person’s education, training and experience. However, as we are evolutionarily and biologically wired for positive social connection, we also seek to be met by these experts, with a similar degree of respect for our own education, training and experience related to our special unique selves.
The centrality of the relationship to an effective therapeutic alliance, is undeniably important in all treatment or healing endeavours. Whether sitting with our GP, a psychotherapist, a medical specialist, an allied health clinician, a coach or a spiritual healer... we all want to feel seen, heard and appreciated as an individual, particularly during times of vulnerability.
As we understand more and more clearly the importance of the mind-body connection, the significance of establishing a relationship where trust, respect, safety and authentic communication are prioritised, becomes increasingly evident. In order to promote brave, creative, individualised and ultimately successful treatment plans, a healthy working partnership must be established. A caregiver who comes prepared to a session, listens intently, shows interest in understanding their client or patient’s story, shares opinions and information empathically and respectfully, all the while, seeking to nurture strengths and hope in the person they are sitting with, creates a safe therapeutic space. In a setting free of judgement or blame and inviting of open, honest and curious dialogue, the client or patient is much more likely to autonomously and actively engage in the process.
Combining compassionate inquiry and caregiving with professional wisdom is where the art meets the science for many health professionals. Simply presenting as an authentic human being with a genuine interest in helping the other human being, can in itself, be a powerful offering. Learning to see the whole person, not just the problem or the illness they have presented with, is at once the most demanding, and rewarding aspect of many care-giving interactions.
Research in psychotherapy has suggested that the relationship has at least as much importance as the particular treatment approach. Taking serious interest in understanding the patient or client's experience, without the suggestion that it requires correction, promotes a shift towards greater mutuality within the engagement. Creating a two way relationship, where the patient or client and their chosen professional, become partners in the process, defining and actualising goals together, through a shared agenda based on the client or patient's values, is increasingly seen as the pathway towards desired outcomes, regardless of the overarching therapeutic frameworks. Flexibility in offering integrated treatments, where the therapist can take a toolbox approach, allows for greater individualisation and more personalised care.
Cancer literature talks about hope as a strategy for empowerment during the battle with serious life threatening illness, and there is increasing evidence to support philosophies of care that incorporate a focus on the care-giving connection that instills hope. The exchanges that take place in every step of a person’s journey through illness or struggle can have a lasting impact. A conversation that domoralises a person can negate feelings of hope in recovery and adversely affect their health restoration journey. Conversely, a conversation that bolsters emotional and spiritual states, can be most beneficial.
Sometimes difficult conversations are required. Unhappy or frightening news has to be shared, ideas gently challenged or different perspectives offered. Skilled and compassionate practitioners have learned to strike the delicate balance between darkness and light during these tough sessions. Sometimes there will be rupture in the relationship, but there can also be repair.
As help and caregivers, we should prioritise building rapport and developing a relationship with our clients and patients built on a foundation of unconditional positive regard and respect. We should make it our responsibility to approach our work compassionately and hopefully. In turn, as help-seeking or care-recipients, we should expect to feel this intention with our chosen providers and if we don’t, we should perhaps consider raising it with the other person or giving thought to whether this relationship, will best serve our needs. When it comes to maintaining and restoring our health, all of our relationships are important.
*I’m a passionate life long student and my blog posts intend to share information only. If something peaks your interest, I encourage you to do your own research, and seek further advice and support through your health and wellness providers. If you’d like to consult with me, please get in touch.*