Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Virtual Prism Adaptation Therapy: Protocol for Validation in Healthy Adults
Published on: February 12, 2020
Development of a psychotherapy process prototype for the Real Relationship
Daniel S Spina1, Katie Aafjes-van Doorn2, Vera Békés2
1Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA.
Objective:
The Real Relationship (RR) describes the aspect of the psychotherapy relationship that is based on a genuine connection and a realistic view between patient and therapist. In the current study, we aimed to develop a Psychotherapy Process Q-set (PQS) prototype of the RR to facilitate post-hoc assessment of the RR in psychotherapy session recordings. We also aimed to measure the association between the RR-PQS and current PQS measures of theoretical treatment principles and the working alliance.
Method:
We developed an RR-PQS prototype based on ratings of an ideal RR session by eight RR experts. We assessed the associations between the RR-PQS and existing cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic process prototypes, and seven PQS items known to predict the working alliance.
Results:
RR experts agreed on the ideal RR session ratings to a high degree (ICC = 0.89). The RR-PQS was moderately related to both cognitive behavioral (r = 0.66, p < 0.01), and psychodynamic prototypes (r = 0.56, p < 0.01). PQS items predictive of the working alliance were characteristic of the RR-PQS.
Conclusion:
The RR-PQS prototype appears to behave in theoretically predicted ways and may be a valid measure of the RR.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Psychodynamic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Psychotherapy
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Couples Therapy
Core Principles and Techniques
Couples therapy often incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles to identify and modify negative...

