DClinPsy Portfolio Volume 1 of 3 - University of Hertfordshire ...

Importance of Therapeutic Relationship in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and
Personal Construct Psychotherapy: how the research findings are applied to
effective clinical work
The conceptualisations explored above have influenced psychological models of therapy.
All psychotherapies recognise the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Due to the
plurality of models the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy model (CBT) and the Personal
Construct Psychotherapy model (PCP) will be considered here in relation to the
importance of the therapeutic relationship. CBT therapists have concluded that a good
therapeutic relationship is essential for the successful implementation of any form of
therapy and describe this as including an atmosphere of openness and trust; the
instillation of hope in the client's potential for change; empathy; a calm and objective
manner; an emphasis on the collaborative nature of therapy; flexibility and spontaneity in
the treatment plan; and making work in sessions relevant to the client's everyday life
experiences, (Overholser and Silverman, 1998).
In CBT, the schemas that the client has may be maladaptive and therefore at the core of
the individuals particular dysfunction. Negative schemas such as rejection and
abandonment will have formed during the individuals’ early life but continue to affect the
person’s relationships including that with the therapist. These beliefs and well ingrained
associated behaviours may interfere with the process of collaborative empiricism.
The client’s expectations/perceptions are distorted to remain consistent with their beliefs.
If these beliefs and their potential impact are not addressed it may result in resistance and
non-compliance. An over-focus on distorted thinking was associated with poorer
outcomes, but this finding disappeared when alliance levels were controlled for. The
therapist will therefore need to practise challenging distortions as is appropriate in the
interpersonal context.
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