Quote:
Originally Posted by atisketatasket
I’m apparently defining “therapeutic relationship” and “relationship with the therapist” differently from most of you. They are not synonymous. One is with the therapist in their space as a therapist and is a tool for the client to use to reach the goal for which they are in therapy (not a goal of therapy), the other is outside that space with them not as a therapist.
So, yes, if someone is in long-term therapy, the therapeutic relationship is not necessarily “temporary.” But a relationship with the therapist is still not the goal of the therapy.
I’ve taken up too much of LT’s thread with my unappealing semantics and theories.
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I don't think this is a semantic issue, you are describing categorical differences.
I am not suggesting that a relationship with the therapist is the therapy goal. However, there are approaches where the relationship is an integral part of achieving the client's goal. It doesn't matter if the relationship is temporary or paid-for; the client gathers information about themselves from its dynamic, fractures and connections. And then change can happen, which is almost always the goal of therapy in some form.
I don't think that the relationship is as vital in CBT and might be used differently in psychodynamic therapy where transferences and projections could be central.