ABSTRACT
As described in Chapter 6, establishing rapport, trust, caring, congruence, warmth, and so on are all important characteristics of a therapeutic relationship. Admittedly, they are also linked, overlapping, and sometimes indistinguishable from one another. But, differentiating these qualities provides a refined way of looking at components that comprise the complexity and richness inherent in a therapy relationship. These qualities are always in the service of establishing and maintaining a therapeutic alliance, and that is the key variable leading to successful treatment outcomes as defined by clients. But exactly what is a therapeutic alliance?
