Being with and for the Other: Cultivating Presence and Repairing Ruptures in Therapeutic Alliance
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Authors
Axenova, Olessia
Issue Date
2024-10
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
therapeutic alliance , therapeutic presence , therapeutic relationship , repair , ruptures
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this capstone is to explore literature and research surrounding therapeutic alliance and presence. By looking at therapeutic work through the lens of the polyvagal theory, this paper explores essential elements of therapeutic encounters and provides novice therapists with practices and skills they can utilize to cultivate an optimal environment for effective and beneficial work with their clients. Additionally, this paper looks at two most common barriers to presence that interfere with clinical work and offers some practices on working with them. Lastly, this research paper includes a discussion on instances of ruptures and offers some research-informed practices for their repair. This paper concludes with practices that novice counsellors can use to cultivate presence in their personal lives and in their clinical practice, along with strategies for repairing ruptures in therapeutic alliance.