Psychotherapy - Working Collaboratively
Question: 'How many psychotherapists does it take to change a light bulb?' Answer: 'One, but the light bulb has got to want to change!' There is some truth in this old joke about psychotherapy. This is because it alludes to the point that CBT works best when clients endeavour to apply the agreed interventions between sessions. Therefore, to try out jointly planned homework assignments serves clients well, as it fosters mastery and independence. |
There is evidence that a positive professional relationship between client and therapist is likely to enhance therapeutic effectiveness. It is important that clients are encouraged to feel safe and in control and are thereby able to engage collaboratively as the therapy progresses. It is the joint responsibility of both client and therapist to provide clear and timely feedback to each other regarding how each judges the therapy is developing. In this way, any problem or misunderstanding can be identified and resolved at the earliest possible stage, and therapeutic effectiveness is thus maximised. |
