Virtual Therapy In Ontario, In Person Therapy in Hamilton, Oakville & London
When people think about therapy, they often think about techniques, interventions, and therapeutic approaches. Even though these elements can be valuable, research consistently shows that the main factor that influences progress is much more than a specific method, it’s the therapeutic alliance. This means that the relationship you have with your therapist is crucial for therapy to feel safe, meaningful, and effective.
If you are curious about starting therapy for the first time or are returning to therapy, understanding how important the therapeutic alliance is in your progress can help you to make an informed decision.
The therapeutic alliance is a relationship built on trust, collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect with your therapist. This safe environment allows clients to deepen their inner knowledge and personal growth. This does not mean that the client and therapist will be in constant agreement, but rather, it includes:
Without a strong therapeutic alliance, even the most evidence-based treatment may fail.
Clients can come to therapy with the fear of being judged, misunderstood, or pressured to make changes too quickly. In therapy, therapists aim to understand before intervening. As opposed to trying to “fix” an issue, the therapist should aim to understand your emotions, values, coping strategies, and experiences. In itself, feeling heard and understood can be truly healing and bring relief to many clients. When the therapist understands the client, therapy can be a collaborative space that fosters change.
It can take some time before clients learn to trust their therapist. Consistency, reliability and empathy make way for deeper relationships where clients feel respected, understood, and safe, all while limiting the risk of quitting therapy before goals have been met. Those qualities are important, especially for clients who have experienced unpredictable or harmful relationships in the past. With time, the therapeutic alliance can become a healthy model for what a strong relationship can look like, and can help in the creation of secure relationships outside of therapy.
Therapists understand that they will not be the right fit for every client. It’s normal to feel neutral or a bit uncertain when beginning therapy, but if you consistently feel judged, unsafe, or unheard, it could be important to reflect and make changes accordingly. A therapist should be open to discussing your therapeutic needs and can make adjustments as necessary, or refer you to someone who may be a better fit.
Making sure that you feel comfortable with your therapist where you can co-create a safe space is not about being too “picky”, but about making sure that you will be in a position where you can evoke change and growth.
There are factors that can harm, or rupture, the therapeutic alliance. Disagreeing on goals, misinterpreting something the therapist has said, or not trusting the therapeutic process are examples of such. As any other relationship, there may be times in therapy where you feel frustrated, disconnected, or misunderstood. Although a first instinct could be to believe that this is a sign of failure, these moments can be opportunities for growth and deeper understanding when it is addressed.
Aiming for a perfect relationship is unrealistic, and therapy is no different. Having a strong relationship with your therapist allows space to repair those challenging moments. When therapists ask for feedback, validate the client’s experience, work carefully through misunderstandings, and take responsibility when they make a mistake, clients feel heard and respected. Working through ruptures offers clients a space where conflict does not mean that they will be shamed or abandoned, but rather, where healing and growth can take place.
For many clients, repairing ruptures can be a profoundly meaningful and emotional experience, and for some, this may be the first time such repair has taken place.
Although therapists have a responsibility to offer a safe and ethical space, clients play a vital role in fostering a strong therapeutic relationship. As a client, you can support the alliance by:
Therapy is a process, not a performance. It is important that you feel comfortable and safe in therapy to be yourself.
Virtual therapy, also known as telehealth, teletherapy, or online therapy, is method of practice where clients receive therapy by telephone or video. Studies demonstrate that clients receiving therapy on a virtual platform reported similarly high levels of therapeutic alliance, challenging the idea that in-person therapy is the only way to form strong therapeutic relationships.
Choosing to begin therapy takes courage. Investing in a therapeutic relationship is what allows this courage to turn into meaningful change. Whether you are already in therapy or are considering beginning your journey, one thing is certain: how you feel with your therapist is crucial. A strong therapeutic alliance is not an option, but a requirement that will allow you to experience meaningful change.
At Vital Minds, we value a strong therapeutic alliance. This is why we invite you to schedule a FREE virtual or telephone consultation with one of our skilled and licensed therapists. This brief meeting will allow you to discuss your goals with a therapist, answer any questions you may have, and ensure that the therapist is a good fit to support you and your needs. We offer individualized in-person and virtual services tailored to your specific needs. We look forward to meeting with you to explore how we can best support you on your therapeutic journey.