Theoretical foundation explored within this article is that there is a real relationship that exists between psychotherapists and clients, and that this relationship profoundly affects the outcome of the sessions (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 495). This relationship is couched with other working relationships between the therapist and the client. Moreover, the real relationship can be analyzed from the perspective of both the client and the therapist, so that it exists within a "dyad" (Gelso et al., 20102, p. 496.
One of the weaknesses of the literature review in the study completed by Gelso et al., "The unfolding of the real relationship and the outcome of brief psychotherapy" is that it is not distinguished within its own section. It is intertwined with the introduction of this document, and even extends into the hypothesis section. Additionally, the vast majority of the literature cited was conducted by the principal researcher in this study. This fact may attest to the novelty of the subject and the need for research in it, yet it certainly affects the perspective taken in the study.
One of the strengths of the literature review is that it appears to be comprehensive. The authors state that "findings have emerged regarding the association between the strength of the real relationship and psychotherapy progress and outcome…only five such studies have been completed to date" (Gelso et al.,...
496). All five of these studies are referenced -- however they could have been so in much greater detail. In general, the literature review for this document could have been more detailed and denoted within its own section. Also, the literature review alludes to newfound measures that are integral in providing empirical evidence about the real relationship between the patients and clients, yet fails to mention what these are (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 496).
Research Question/Problem
The research question addressed within this study is two-fold as evinced by the subsequent quotation:
We sought to address two research questions related to this unfolding process: (a)
What is the pattern of clients' and therapists' perceptions of the strength of the real relationship over the course of brief psychotherapy? (b) Is this pattern of change associated with treatment outcome? (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 497).
This research question could have been clearer, for the simple fact that it hinges upon aspects of the theories described in the introduction section that are not mentioned in the actual question itself. For instance, it hinges upon the fact that the study will examine the real relationship after every session, and from the first session that the client and therapist meet (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 496). When all of this information is included…
