Discursive angles on the relationship in psychotherapy

Abstract

Research on the psychotherapy relationship has been dominated by quantitative-statistical paradigms that focus on relationship elements and their (evidence-based) effectiveness regarding the psychotherapy process. In this mini review, we complement this existing line of research with a discursive-interactional view that focuses on how the relationship is accomplished between therapists and clients. Our review highlights some of the main studies that use micro-analytic, interactional methods to explore relationship construction of the following elements: Affiliation, cooperation (Alignment), empathy and Disaffiliation-Repair. We not only provide a summary of important discursive work that provides a unique lens on how the relationship may be established and maintained, but also suggest that this kind of micro-analytic approach can offer more nuanced conceptualizations of the relationship by showing how different elements work together in a synergistic manner.

“Because he was disgusting”: transforming relations through positioning in messenger-supported group psychotherapy

“…This could be seen as an affiliative utterance towards the patient. Muntigl and Scarvaglieri (2023) state, that "[a]ffiliation can be understood as trust, commitment and intimacy [. .…”

Data mining techniques in psychotherapy: applications for studying therapeutic alliance

“…Considering that a stronger alliance emerges from a negotiation process, it is understandable that the estimation of TA by both patient and therapist may diverge at the beginning of therapy 9 although seems to converge over time and towards the end of successful therapies 6 , 10 , 11 . The success of this negotiation process benefits both patient and therapist by allowing them to form a trusting relationship and to engage in interpersonal and social processes such as affiliative and aligned interactions 12 . The available research on therapist variables mediating or moderating the quality of alliance has been focused on factors like interpersonal skills, communication skills, empathy, experience and training, and intrapersonal dimensions 13 – 15 .…”