What Makes Therapy Effective?

What makes therapy effective?

Guess what the #1 predictor of “success” is in psychotherapy?

It’s not:

  • The therapist’s years of experience
  • The specific therapeutic technique used
  • The client’s initial level of motivation
  • The frequency of sessions
  • The severity of the client’s issues

It is:

  • Having a strong therapeutic rapport (aka the relationship the therapist has with the client).

A strong therapeutic relationship means there’s trust, mutual respect, empathy, and a shared commitment to the client’s growth.  In a strong relationship, clients feel safe, heard, supported, and respected.

Why is therapeutic rapport the #1 predictor of success in therapy?

When people feel safe, respected, and understood they’re more likely to:

  • Really open up – this allows therapists to do their best work!
  • Stay engaged in therapy – this means they show up and follow through with therapeutic work
  • Be open to feedback – they are open to new ways of looking at things
  • Repair ruptures – there will be moments where clients and therapists feel out of sync or something that was said didn’t feel good to hear.  When there’s a strong relationship, these ruptures can be repaired (this in itself is healing!)

But most of all…

A strong therapeutic rapport is healing because they are – at their core – a relationship.

Relationships provide:

  • Connection and belonging – we thrive on connection and we have a deep need to belong, even (or especially) in a 1:1 relationship
  • Validation and understanding – when someone truly listens and understands us, it validates our feelings and experiences
  • Emotion co-regulation – we learn how to manage and navigate emotions when we have someone beside us helping to regulate our nervous system
  • Modelling and learning – we learn how to communicate, resolve conflicts, and build trust
  • Encouragement and support – this helps us face challenges and pursue growth
  • Collaboration – we have to work together to achieve something

So many people come to therapy because they were hurt in relationships.  Having a supportive and caring relationship (yes, even with a professional) can be reparative and healing.

As a therapist, I’m not your “friend”, but I am:

  • Your supporter
  • Invested in your growth and your life
  • Someone who will challenge you to grow
  • Truly in your corner
  • The person you can spill all the tea to!

If you want to explore how your therapeutic relationship is with your therapist, ask yourself:

  • Do I feel safe and comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings?
  • Do I feel heard and understood?
  • Does my therapist show empathy and respect towards me?
  • Do I feel my therapist is genuinely interested in my well-being and progress?
  • Am I able to discuss difficult or sensitive topics without judgment?
  • Do I feel my therapist respects my boundaries and autonomy?

If you know someone in therapy, feel free to share this with them this in case they’re curious about what’s most important when working with a therapist.

If you’re in Ontario and looking for a therapist, schedule a free intro call with me.  See if there’s potential for a strong therapeutic relationship!