Interpersonal Therapeutic Process

Interpersonal Therapeutic Process

The interpersonal therapist, like the psychoanalyst, explores the patient’s life history. The crux of the therapeutic process is the corrective interpersonal experience. The idea is that by experiencing a healthy relationship with the therapist, the patient can learn have more satisfying interpersonal relationships. The therapist actively encourages the development of trust by relating authentically to the patient. The therapist must share feelings and reactions with the patient. The process of therapy is a process of reeducation.

The therapist helps the patient identify interpersonal problems and then encourages attempts at more successful styles of relating. The therapist allows the patient to become close while clearly showing that there is no threat of sexual involvement. It is believed that close ness within the therapeutic relationship builds trust. Facilitates emphaty, enhances, self-esteem, and fosters growth toward healthy behavior. Peplau describes this process as “psychological mothering”. Which includes the following steps :

1. The patient is accepted unconditionally as a participant in a relationship that satisfies needs.
2. There is recognition of and response to the patient’s readiness for growth, as initiated by patient.
3. Power in the relationship shifts to the patient, as the patient is able to delay gratification and to invest energy in goal achievement.

Therapy is completed when the patient can establish satisfying human relationship, thereby meeting basic needs. Termination is a significant part of the relationship that must be experienced and shared by both the therapist and the patient. The patient learns that leaving a significant other involves pain but can also be an opportunity for growth.