Although the therapy relationship has long been recognized as an essential factor in the change process, there has been disagreement concerning whether the relationship is itself curative or rather supports the benefits of specific therapeutic techniques. To advance and clarify this conversation, this article conceptualizes the therapy relationship as both a mediator and/or moderator of change that can be used strategically in accord with case formulation for treatment goals. We begin with a brief overview of the relevant literature on the therapy relationship versus technique and the role of the therapy relationship as mediator or moderator across theoretical orientations. We then suggest an integrative framework by which clinicians and psychotherapy researchers may conceptualize the therapeutic relationship based on case conceptualization, where the requirements in each case and not theoretical orientation should determine the therapist's use of the therapy relationship. Finally, we discuss implications for psychotherapy research and practice.

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Few studies have systematically examined the relationship between kink behaviors and sexual behaviors, yet even these preliminary studies indicate that the relationship is complex and that there is a notable diversity in how people construct the boundaries of sex and kink and the relationship between them. As part of a grounded theory study of kink identity, the current study examined how 70 kink-identified participants from Northern California discussed their experience and understanding of the relationship between kink and sex in interviews conducted in 2014 and 2015. Findings indicated seven themes: kink flowing into sex, kink as spice for sexual interactions, kink and sex as connection and intimacy, kink and sex as an expression of erotic energy, kink and sex as an expression of power exchange, kink as spiritual, and kink as freedom. Findings indicated that sexual orientation and gender identity may influence how people understand and experience the relationship between kink and sex.

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This study examined whether relationship involvement and partner gender were associated with between‐person differences and within‐person fluctuation in positive and negative affect and alcohol use among people who are attracted to more than one gender or regardless of gender (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, queer; bi+). One hundred and ninety‐eight bi+ individuals (M age 26.97; 73.1% non‐Latinx White) completed a 28‐day diary study. Multilevel regression analyses modeled between‐person differences in daily affect and alcohol use as a function of relationship status and partner gender. ANCOVAs were conducted to examine differences in within‐person fluctuation. Results partially support past findings that relationship involvement may not confer benefits for bi+ people and that mixed‐gender partnerships could be particularly challenging. Future research directions are discussed.