Relational Healing: Exploring the Therapeutic Relationship in Trauma Counselling
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Authors
Stainthorpe, Kimberly
Issue Date
2025
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
counselling , psychology , trauma , complex trauma , therapeutic relationship , Ttauma-informed care , relational healing , clinical psychology , attachment theory , emotional safety , relational competence
Alternative Title
Abstract
Trauma is a pervasive and complex human experience that fundamentally disrupts individuals' relational capacities. While trauma-focused therapeutic modalities offer structured interventions, they often neglect the nuanced, relational dynamics essential for healing. This capstone project critically examines the therapeutic relationship in trauma counselling, arguing that relational attunement, emotional safety, and therapist-client connection are central, not supplementary, to effective trauma treatment. Through a comprehensive literature review and the proposal of an observational qualitative study involving real-time session analysis and interviews with psychologists and clients, this research identifies the limitations of current clinical practices and training in relational competence. Emphasizing the role of attachment, non-verbal communication, and trauma-informed approaches, the study advocates for a reconceptualization of trauma care: one in which the therapeutic relationship itself is viewed as a primary vehicle for healing. This project contributes to the field by underscoring the urgent need for trauma-specific relational training and a more humanized, connection-centred model of counselling.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess