TLDR: The therapeutic alliance refers to the quality and strength of the collaborative relationship between a client and their therapist. It is shown that the relationship alone is responsible for around 30% of the therapy outcome. The relationship is a very personal thing – it is not a slight on the therapist or the patient if this does not develop effectively. At My Online Psychologist, I will always check in with you after a month of referring you to ensure this relationship is developing well. If it is not, we can discuss who may be a better fit for you personally.

The therapeutic alliance refers to the quality and strength of the collaborative relationship between a client and their therapist. Over the past 40 years, there has been extensive research into the value of the therapeutic relationship and its impact on treatment outcome. Whilst on training in 2010, I conducted a literature review on it’s importance, and this showed that the relationship is around 30% of the therapy outcome (Lambert and Barley, 2001). Therefore, a patient with a therapist who is skilled at creating this relationship is likely to find treatment more effective. Therapy can be difficult. The knowledge and skill on how to manage these difficulties is a key skill a psychologist learns as part of the extensive training.

Interestingly, one of the comments that I receive about in-person vs. online therapy is that it will be difficult to build a good relationship online. However, research does not suggest this and shows online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy. If online therapy (over teams or zoom) were to have a significant impact on building a strong therapeutic relationship then I would expect this to also impact treatment outcome. I do believe though that there are occasions where in-person sessions are more suitable though (high risk, dissociation being two) and of course where there are barriers to access therapy online, for example, technology difficulties or lack of a safe space to have sessions.

At My Online Psychologist, I’ve tried to build an associate practice with clinicians who I feel are really skilled at their own specialisms. When we speak on the phone, I am trying to work out which online psychologist you would best be suited for, and who you will likely gel with the most. My aim is to try to ensure you get as much of the 30% as possible! We will discuss previous therapy, what was helpful, what was not. If I do refer you to an associate, I will always check in after a month to ensure all is going well. I really think this is important. Such is the impact of the therapy relationship, it’s important this develops well. I know it can be tricky to reach out for help, and so it could be demoralising if the relationship does not develop. If this were to happen, I like to try to assist and help you find someone who would be a better fit. We would discuss, in a non-judgmental call, what you liked and disliked about the sessions you had to date and then discuss other styles, or other models of therapy that could be more helpful to you. This will hopefully then help me refer you to someone most helpful for you.

As always, any questions, just give me a call, or send me an email.