Discursive angles on the relationship in psychotherapy

Abstract

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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.

Keywords

• therapeutic relationship
• conversation analysis
• discourse analysis
• the alliance in therapy
• affiliation
• alignment