ABSTRACT
The nucleus of psychotherapy is the treatment alliance. This unique and healing aspect of human relationships depends upon reciprocal resonance and affirmation (Saunders, Howard & Orlinsky, in press). The power of the treatment alliance should not be equated with simple liking or attraction, however. Credibility and trust, as we have observed in previous chapters, are more substantial bases for therapeutic influence than the more fickle attribute of interpersonal attraction (e.g., Beutler, Crago & Ariz-mendi, 1986). This is true because attraction is largely influenced by such factors as physical appeal or beauty (Corrigan et al., 1980). Credibility and trust reflect patterns of interaction and collaboration which change within treatment and which can be altered by either patient or therapist.
