Psychology2016

Psychological Therapies 609

training and experience with distance counseling and be able to address the relative
risks and benefits of distance counseling, including what steps to take when the coun-
selor is not available (American Counseling Association, 2014; Jencius, 2015). The web
and other forms of technology can offer other challenges as well. Clients and counselors
alike should be mindful of the prevalence of social media and avoid “personal virtual
relationships” (American Counseling Association, 2014; Jencius, 2015; Kaplan, 2016). Just
as counselors and clients avoid multiple relationships to maintain professional boundar-
ies, with the widespread use of social media, even greater attention is likely required to
avoid the blurring of any personal and professional boundaries (Kaplan, 2016).

Characteristics of Effective Therapy

15.9 Identify factors that influence the effectiveness of therapy.

So how does a person with a problem know what kind

of therapist to go to? How do you pick a good one?

It can sometimes be hard to determine if you or someone you know needs professional
help and, if so, where to find it. The video Finding a Therapist if You Need One offers some
advice.

Watch the Video Finding a Therapist if You Need One

CC

As discussed before, many psychological professionals today take an eclectic view
of psychotherapy, using a combination of methods or switching methods to fit the partic-
ular client’s needs or specific problems.

COMMON FACTORS APPROACH The common factors approach in psychotherapy is a
modern approach to eclecticism and focuses on those factors common to successful
outcomes from different forms of therapy (Norcross, 2005). These factors are seen as
the source of the success rather than specific differences among therapies. The most
important common factor of a successful psychotherapy may be the relationship
between the client and the therapist, known as the therapeutic alliance. This relation-
ship should be caring, warm, and accepting and be characterized by empathy, mutual

therapeutic alliance

the relationship between therapist and

client that develops as a warm, caring,

accepting relationship characterized

by empathy, mutual respect, and

understanding.