Analyzing the Real Relationship in Brief Psychotherapy Research

Introduction and Theoretical Foundation

The theoretical foundation explored within this article is that a real relationship exists between psychotherapists and clients, and that this relationship profoundly affects the outcome of their sessions (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 495). This relationship is situated alongside other working relationships between the therapist and the client. Moreover, the real relationship can be analyzed from the perspective of both parties, such that it exists within a "dyad" (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 496).

Literature Review: Strengths and Weaknesses

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 the 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 further research, 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., 2012, p. 496). All five of these studies are referenced — however, they could have been discussed in much greater detail. In general, the literature review could have been more detailed and presented within its own distinct section. The review also alludes to newly developed measures that are integral to providing empirical evidence about the real relationship between patients and clients, yet fails to identify what these measures are (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 496).

Research Question and Hypotheses

The research question addressed within this study is two-fold, as evidenced by the following 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 reason that it hinges upon aspects of the theories described in the introduction that are not mentioned in the question itself. For instance, it depends upon the fact that the study will examine the real relationship after every session, beginning from the very first meeting between client and therapist (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 496). When all of this contextual information is incorporated, the research question is certainly worthy of pursuit.

It is worth noting that there are five hypotheses in this study, which, combined with the two research questions, creates the impression of a somewhat scattered study for the reader. Nonetheless, two hypotheses stand out as particularly relevant. The fourth hypothesis states that "clients' and therapists' perceptions of the real relationship become increasingly similar over the course of brief psychotherapy," while the second hypothesis holds that "there are positive actor and partner associations between ratings of the strength of the real relationship after the first therapy session and treatment outcome" (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 497). Both are clearly stated and intrinsic to the overarching research question.

References

Gelso, C. J., Kivlighan, D. M., Busa-Knepp, J., & Spiegel, E. B. (2012). The unfolding of the real relationship and the outcome of brief psychotherapy. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59(4), 495–506.