By Juliana Groder, MHC-LP – Clinician
As a new therapist in the field, I have noticed that there is some “magic” in the therapeutic relationship that I do not believe can be directly quantified. I think this magic can be attributed to the rapport built between the therapist and the client, as well as factors that guide the counseling relationship.
I have noticed that when the therapist has a genuine compassion, care, and curiosity for the client and their experiences, coupled with the ability to subtlety and gently motivate and inspire change, the client has a foundation upon which they can build their future. The client can get settled in the uncomfortable, reflect on their values, challenge their beliefs, and explore the direction they would like to go.
Anyone can choose to be a therapist, whether it is a mental health counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional. But someone cannot choose to be empathetic or compassionate. Empathy and compassion must exist first for the therapeutic role to be effective. Empathy and compassion, coupled with the foundational knowledge and skills of one’s chosen field, create the mode for which a successful mental health professional can begin to grow. It is the individual who truly cares to make a difference, coupled with intentional action in working with their clients, who can contribute to that magic within the therapeutic space.
It goes without saying that no therapeutic relationship can exist without the client. The component of the magic that is crucial is the presence of a client who brings something to work on, some direction to grow. I believe the magic can be enhanced if the client is motivated, goal-oriented, and willing to change. However, the therapist can also utilize their skills to work to motivate the client when willingness to change is lacking.
The magic of the therapeutic relationship allows for the existence of endless of possibilities of growth. Sometimes the magic is not always present in a pairing of a particular client and a therapist, which can result in a change in therapist or client’s pursuit of alternative services.
Once that connection is formed between the right match of client and therapist, the magic grows and thrives, and the force of change for the client is unstoppable.
