There is a scene in the 1997 movie Good Will Hunting where Matt Damon’s character, Will (the patient), says to Robin Williams’ character, Shawn (the therapist), “You talk more than any shrink I’ve ever met,” to which Robin Williams replies, “I teach this shit I didn’t say I know how to do it.”
Research shows the most important factor in achieving effective therapy outcomes is the rapport built between therapist and patient.
Study upon study supports it is not the type of therapy, nor the credentials following the name of the person facilitating it, which ultimately determines its success. In the absence of a trusting, empathic, and solid rapport between therapist and patient, therapy is at best ineffective, and at worst, I would argue, potentially harmful.
That said, one of the more challenging parts of being a therapist is building such rapport while also mindfully separating out personal opinions from the process. Moreover, a therapist's code of ethics discourages a therapist from imposing their own beliefs and/or political opinions onto patients for this could negatively impact the therapeutic alliance in any number of ways.
Seems pretty reasonable on the surface, you might say. This, however, can be tricky, for how does one build rapport and establish trust when there is no sharing of the self in a mutual, reciprocal sense?
This is where the “art” of therapy enters the room. Therapy is more than adhering to model fidelity. It's more than teaching skills and applying strategies. Therapy is a creative process, and one that offers a fine line between maintaining the boundary of what is ethical, while emitting enough humanity so as to allow for true connection to form. Connection is where true vulnerability can exist, and such is where the healing happens.
The key to distinguishing between a good therapist and a great therapist is their ability to exercise discernment related to sharing those things that will facilitate rapport, and those things that will impede it. Doing so requires a type of insight, attunement, and finesse that, in my opinion, cannot be taught.
Therapy is a careful dance.
Therapy is a creative process.
Therapy is an art.
To achieve the best therapeutic outcomes, look for a therapist who is not only well-trained, but talented at building rapport.
Please visit me at www.carriemosko.com to learn more about my therapy practice.
Out.
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