Therapeutic Relationship

Authentically embodying compassion and wisdom when triggered by a client is challenging.
To avoid harming our clients through our wounding, it is crucial to be aware of our blind spots and reactive patterns. As therapists, we often compensate through intellectual detachment or self-sacrificial rescuing instead of embracing our vulnerability with compassion. Powerlessness, shame, and fear of losing control often underlie our reactivity. A genuine installation of self-compassion within the client requires the therapeutic relationship to serve as a template for secure attachment. This does not mean therapists should be perfect; rather, we should be human in addressing conflict and distress within the therapeutic context. Only our shared humanity and authentic heart-to-heart connection helps clients feel accepted, understood, and supported, setting us apart from future therapist robots. Humility and tolerance of uncertainty are essential for clients today alongside evidence-based methods.

Talking about it is not enough; we need to feel it, be it, and do it.