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The Therapeutic Relationship

Although legal guidelines and a therapist’s training encourage a Therapeutic Relationship, the boundaries of the Therapeutic Relationship are followed solely to treat, support, and protect the client. The Therapeutic Relationship gives the client a safe environment free of judgment to enable him or her to “unload emotional baggage” that has hindered their family, interpersonal, and personal growth.

The Therapeutic Relationship is:

  • Friendly, but not familiar: This means the relationship is professional, not personal. This keeps the relationship focused on the needs of the client.
  • Objective: Effective therapists have been trained and supervised to be acutely aware of issues that trigger their own unresolved emotions and insecurities. The therapist has been trained to be objective.
  • Free of judgment: The purpose of therapy is to provide a safe environment for the client to discuss their troubles. Clients are frequently shameful of their past actions and require an assurance of total confidentiality.
  • Mutual Respect, maintaining clear boundaries: Effective therapy teaches and maintains mutual respect. Unclear interpersonal boundaries are a problem that usually brings someone to counseling. Since most people are co-dependent in nature and allow others to violate their boundaries, an objective therapist will not permit the client to disrespect themselves in therapy. This teaches the client to maintain solid boundaries.
  • Goal Oriented with a Mutual Contract: The course of therapy is defined by an initial, formal contract and the setting of attainable goals that guides the process to completion.

All therapists at CrossRoads adhere to these guidelines and offer a nurturing environment free of judgment. Contact us at 317-842-8881 to schedule an appointment if you live in the Central Indiana area.