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

The therapist must also be aware of their own narcissism and not forget their humanity
and empathy. Explaining the therapy rationale is one of the most important ways of
negotiating the therapy alliance in CBT. The therapist needs to respond to how the
individual is experiencing any intervention at all points in the therapy.
PCP is a process of reconstruction by firstly achieving a good therapeutic relationship.
This is achieved by demonstrating acceptance, attempting to use the clients’ constructions
(belief systems) and being credulous (taking what the client says at face value). Respect
is conveyed by conducting therapy in an invitational mood rather than prescribing better
ways of thinking and behaving. The client works with the therapist as a co-experimenter,
formulating and testing hypothesis. ‘Primary transference’, which refers to the therapist
being construed in a particular way by the client, is not encouraged. A ‘secondary
transference’, which refers to previous role constructs being transferred onto the
therapist, is allowed in order to test out hypothesis.
Early sessions in PCP are an important opportunity for the therapist to explain the
expectations of therapy, i.e. that the client would ultimately take the initiative in solving
their problems. Therapists would also point out that the therapeutic relationship is
different from other relationships which the client has previously experienced and that
this situation is one where they can feel free to express issues without risk of criticism.
This is done early, which is in keeping with evidence that suggests that early
establishment of alliance leads to better outcome. As regards working with people across
the lifespan, it was not advised that adults discuss the sessions with anyone other than
their therapist. This is because constructs that they were working on may not be ready for
use to make decisions. With regards to children, it was accepted that they could speak
with their parents if they so wished, (Winter, 1992).
Conclusion
Hyer, Kramer & Sohnle (2004) emphasised that a great deal of research has been
conducted on the therapeutic alliance.
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