Therapeutic Alliance Ruptures as a Challenge in Psychotherapy Process

Abstract

This study examines the therapeutic alliance ruptures, which emerge as a challenge
in the psychotherapy process. In the therapy process, the therapeutic alliance is an
important factor in the outcome of the therapy or in its effectiveness and in outcomes
such as cessation of therapy. In cases where the ruptures in the therapeutic alliance are not
recognized and worked on, they may lead to negative consequences on the effectiveness
of the therapy and may cause the therapy to be discontinued. It is stated that ruptures in
the therapeutic alliance are situations that can occur in any session. Although therapeutic
ruptures do not lead to negative consequences in all cases, it is thought that when they
are not recognized during the therapy process, they may grow and lead to relationship
difficulty and then to the abandonment of the therapy. In this article, the therapeutic
relationship, ruptures in the therapeutic alliance, and how these concepts are studied in
psychotherapy process research in our country and in the world will be discussed. When
we encourage addressing the ruptures in the therapeutic alliance, we move from a perfect
understanding of therapy to a healthier transformative therapist-client relationship that
accepts making mistakes and accepts that therapy is a learning process open to discovery.
This path will show us that there can be a symmetrical relationship between therapist and
client that is transparent, accepting and kind.