“relationship is the first condition of being human” (Petruska Clarkson)
You may have seen me talking about Clarkson’s relational model on my website, on social media or in our sessions together. But what does that actually mean, and how does it relate to our work together? This blog post will explain what the ‘five relationships’ model means, and how it relates to our work together in therapy.
The importance of our therapeutic relationship
Let’s start with some background. In 1957, psychologist Carl Rogers introduced the idea that the therapeutic relationship is crucial for client healing. He identified three 'core conditions' for this relationship, which are now widely accepted as vital for effective therapy:
Congruence (authenticity)
Unconditional positive regard (acceptance)
Empathy (understanding)
Building on Rogers' work, psychotherapist Petruska Clarkson developed an integrative model based on her 20 years of experience. This model, known as the five relationships model, tailors the therapeutic approach to each client's unique needs.
Clarkson's model focuses on two types of connections:
Intersubjective relationships (how we connect with others)
Intrapsychic relationships (how we connect with ourselves)
The five relationships in therapy
Clarkson identified five distinct relationships that can occur between a therapist and a client. These may happen simultaneously or become prominent at different stages of therapy.
The working alliance:
This forms the foundation of our work together. We'll establish a shared understanding of your therapeutic goals, our boundaries, and our expectations. This relationship helps us navigate any challenges that may arise during therapy.
The transference/countertransference relationship:
Have you ever met someone and instantly liked or disliked them for no apparent reason? This might be 'transference' at work. In therapy, you may find that I remind you of someone from your past, influencing how you relate to me. As your therapist, I'll be attentive to these patterns and explore their origins with you. I'll also be watching out for what comes up in me in reaction - known as countertransference.
The Developmentally Needed Relationship:
This relationship is based on the idea that therapy can provide a 'corrective emotional experience'. If you experienced difficulties in your early relationships, our therapeutic relationship can offer a safe space to heal and grow. As your therapist, I aim to be a 'good enough' support figure, helping you develop trust in your own judgment over time.
The Person-to-Person Relationship:
This is the genuine emotional connection between us as two human beings. It's built on empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard – those core conditions identified by Carl Rogers. Research has shown that this real relationship is crucial for effective therapy, regardless of the specific techniques used.
The Transpersonal Relationship:
This relationship is harder to define but refers to a spiritual or profound connection that can occur in therapy. It's similar to the feeling you might have after an inspiring event or a deeply meaningful conversation with friends – a sense of connection beyond words.
How Clarkson's model enhances your therapy experience
Understanding Clarkson's model can enrich your therapy journey. By recognising these different relationship dynamics, you gain valuable insight into the therapeutic process. This awareness can help you navigate the sometimes complex emotions and interactions that arise during sessions.
The model acknowledges that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As we work together, you may notice shifts between different relationship types. For instance, in one session, we might focus on building a strong working alliance, while in another, we might explore deeper emotional patterns linked to past relationships. This flexibility allows us to address your unique needs as they evolve throughout our work together.
Moreover, understanding these relationship types can help you feel more at ease with the changing dynamics in therapy. It's natural for the therapeutic relationship to evolve, and sometimes this can feel unsettling. By framing these changes within Clarkson's model, you can view them as normal and even beneficial parts of the process, rather than as disruptions.
The model also highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship itself in your journey. While specific techniques and interventions are valuable, research consistently shows that the quality of the client-therapist relationship is a crucial factor in therapy outcomes. Clarkson's model provides a framework for nurturing this relationship in all its complexity.
Lastly, this approach encourages a holistic view of therapy. From addressing practical goals to exploring deep-seated patterns, and even touching on spiritual or profound experiences, the five relationships model embraces the full spectrum of human experience.
Conclusion
As we work together, you may notice elements of these five relationships at play. Or you may not! There's no 'right' or 'wrong' way for therapy to unfold. Each therapeutic journey is unique, and these relationships may emerge in different ways for different people.
If you're considering therapy or have questions about this approach, please don't hesitate to reach out.
References:
Clarkson, P. (2003). The therapeutic relationship (2nd ed.). Whurr.
Rogers, C. R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21(2), 95–103. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0045357