May Group Supervision 2022
Therapeutic Relationship - Eliciting Feedback
Our 2nd Tuesday group is meeting May 10th at 1:00pm
Our 3rd Thursday group is meeting May 19th at 6am
Our 3rd Thursday (2nd) group is meeting May 19th at 10am
Our 2nd Friday group is meeting May 13th at 9:30am
In this months group supervision we will be exploring the therapeutic relationship. We know in a therapeutic relationship, it is the relationship itself that has the highest predictor of positive and meaningful outcomes. In this article, research indicated some of the following conclusions:
“Client ratings of the [therapeutic] alliance are far better predictors of outcome than therapist ratings. Therapists, then, cannot assume that their evaluation of the quality climate corresponds to their client’s perceptions. Clearly, then, it is critical for therapists to attend closely to the alliance developed with their clients, and regularly monitor its quality. Influencing the client’s perceptions of the alliance represents the most direct impact that mental health professionals can have on change.”
Due to “average therapist’s caseload already overloaded with paperwork or other non-direct service related activities…majority of clinicians did not consider any measure or combination of measure or combination of measures that took more than five minutes to complete, score, and interpret”
So how are we, not only eliciting feedback from our clients, but how are we integrating that feedback into our practice and our individualized approach with that particular client? We know ruptures will occur in therapeutic relationships, some would venture that if ruptures do not ever occur, then we ourselves are likely avoiding areas of potential discomfort. Then when ruptures do occur, we need to be flexible in adjusting and creatively addressing the rupture to move toward healing and strengthening the relationship.
In this article, it outlines qualitative research reviewing the implications of feedback in the therapeutic alliance, particularly determining “the importance of obtaining clear, unambiguous feedback about the clients’ negative reactions to therapy. Therapists should be aware of that the clients may hesitate to express dissatisfaction, and work toward creating a safe therapeutic environment where meta-communicating about the therapeutic relationship is possible.”
Questions to ponder…
How are you setting expectations for feedback from the beginning?
How do you ask for feedback throughout the process?
How do you integrate this feedback?
Where would you like to see your processes improve in this area?
See you all soon! Take good care.
