Changes during the course of the psychotherapeutic relationship

Changes in the therapeutic relationship over time were explored using the Therapy Session Report for 30 patients and six therapists at an out-patient clinic. 11 patients dropped out after the third session, while the continuing group consisted of 19 patients for whom sessions ranged from 5 to 33. Significant differences on both patient and therapist evaluations were found between the dropout and continuing groups, there being high agreement from inception to termination. Results emphasized the importance of early establishment of a collaborative relationship in short-term psychotherapy.