The Dance Between Therapist and Client: A Brief Look at Different Forms of Therapy

From the first therapy encounter, the alliance between therapist and client becomes initiated and influenced. It is the therapeutic relationship that will work as a container to hold private thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of each individual coming into therapy. It is the frame that captures the relationship, as well as, the perceptions of and feelings towards one another. The dynamics that unfold in the therapy session can be complex and challenging and often serves us to confront our inner thoughts and feelings in a nurturing space. It is important find a therapist with whom you can find a shared language.  
 
The therapeutic relationship and the alliance between the therapist and the client represent a foundation for facilitating change. To effect this change, therapists draw from a multitude of behavioral modalities and psychological philosophies to inform their practice. In humanistic therapy, empathy, genuineness (congruence), and unconditional positive regard are considered to be fundamental to growth as well as the therapeutic relationship. Cognitive-behavioral therapists rely heavily on collaboration in developing techniques for behavioral change in clients. Furthermore, psychodynamic therapy employs empathy and collaboration in the assessment of interpretations, as well as, analyzing transference and counter-transference experiences. Although various perspectives approach the therapeutic relationship in diverse ways, each is often bestowing similar techniques to develop a therapeutic alliance.
 
Within my practice, I work from an integrative approach using relational, feminist and existential theories. All of these theories are a branch of humanistic philosophy. I also employ psychodynamic and narrative strategies. In essence, I work with each client to build a safe, transparent relationship as a "real" person in the therapeutic space. This enables us to confront challenges including pain and suffering in life. This pain and suffering is interpreted and studied through a systemic lens that looks at you as a person in your different environments and the demands that you endure. Existentially, we will confront anxieties and construct a narrative in which you are empowered to be the author.
Ultimately, the therapeutic relationship is an explorative one and needs to be experienced to be fully understood. If seeking such an experience, I am available at Dr.KimMacEachern@gmail.com or 425-362-4028 and would enjoy building an alliance with you.