ABSTRACT
A safe and secure therapeutic relationship is important for the success of the therapy. By demonstrating empathy the therapist increases interpersonal intimacy and creates safety wherein the patient is encouraged to explore his difficulties, longings, and beliefs. The first three sessions are important in this regard to arrive at a focus of work and reduce presenting symptoms. The core concept of the therapeutic relationship is a key element of psychotherapy, and was defined by Freud (1912b). Since Freud the therapeutic relationship has been widely discussed and written about. It contextualises the relational dimensions between patient and therapist and includes the therapeutic framework and the mutual responsibilities of both (Meissner, 1992). It is through the therapeutic relationship, that is, transference interventions, that patients gain access to implicit memories which are unconscious and stored in the limbic system and thereby develop the capacity to regulate emotions, which results in changing their lives (Schore, 1994). The therapeutic relationship plays an important part in enabling the development of new neural networks by the integration of new thoughts, feelings, and behaviour (Cozolino, 2002). It is in the therapeutic relationship that a positive mood is fostered and safety experienced.
