For those who work in the healthcare field the concept and importance of therapeutic relationship should be clearly

known. Therapeutic Relationship exists between therapist and patient and has always been viewed as sacred, similar to that of a lawyer and his client and not only refers to matters of confidentiality but stresses how important it is for the professional to work in the best interest of said patient (client). Therapeutic relationship takes several forms which include individual and group sessions. Richard Niolon Phd (The Therapeutic Relationship Part I, 12/99) noted some key points in the therapeutic relationship which are as follows: A suspension of moral judgement on the patient/client by the therapist in question. Therapists showing empathy, insight, understanding and acceptance. Patients being given the opportunity to speak the unspeakable now. The reliability of therapists in keeping appointments, agreed duration of sessions and putting patients welfare first. The therapists interest no matter how disturbing the subject matter The therapist allowing him or herself to be used as a transference object

Looking at the points that Niolon mentioned as necessary in the therapeutic relationship we clearly get a picture of what the healthcare professional must do to gain the trust of his/her client and in fact maintain that trust as the therapeutic relationship is a ongoing one. Alex Owen in his thesis referred to the therapeutic relationship as central to the patient oriented approach to healthcare and states that a strong therapeutic relationship has an enormous effect on the patients perceived ability to recover. This is similar to the placebo effect. He further stated that the therapeutic relationship is an indispensable tool for any healthcare professional interested in helping those in need.

As noted above, therapeutic relationship is also carried out in both individual and group. The purpose of group session therapeutic relationship, however, is to assist each individual in emotional growth and personal problem solving. Group members utilize the power of the group and the therapist who leads it, in this process. The following are also other advantages to group sessions over individual therapy: Multiple relationships Information giving/sharing as the group is made up of patients with similar issues. Patient becomes more aware of issues he/she is facing. The group acts as somewhat of a substitute family. Improve social skills. Group cohesiveness provides a sense of belonging. Catharsis the release of conscious and unconscious feelings.

REFERENCES:

Hales, Dianne and Robert E. Hales. Caring for the Mind: A Comprehensive Guide to Mental Health. New York: Bantam Books, 1995. Kaplan, Harold I. and Benjamin J. Sadock. Synopsis of Psychiatry. 8th edition. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 1998. Panman, Richard and Sandra Panman. "Group Counseling and Therapy." In The Counseling Sourcebook: A Practical Reference on Contemporary Issues, edited by Judah L. Ronch, William Van Ornum, and Nicholas C Stilwell. New York: Crossroad, 2001. Yalom, Irvin D. The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy. 4th edition. Basic Books, New York, NY, 1995. http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/counseling/thxrel.html http://www.holisticlocal.co.uk/articles/view/293/The+Therapeutic+Relationship