We start a new series today looking at social psychology and the therapeutic relationship. For the first part, we are going to focus on rapport and building trust, but before that, let’s take an overview of the whole subject.
The role of social psychology in the therapeutic relationship
Social psychology tells us how an individual is affected by the people around them, and how their reactions, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped in response. It also looks at group dynamics and how they influence the individual. This encompasses a wide range of topics, for example power hierarchies, how groups exert social influence, interpersonal relationships, culture, and the role of prejudice of all types in society.
This social context provides the background for the relationship between the client and the therapist and is central to the therapeutic process.
The therapeutic relationship is essential to any successful intervention and is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes. It must include respect on both sides, empathy, and a supportive, non-judgmental attitude. The aim is to create a safe and supportive environment in which the client’s issues can be addressed, helping them move toward a happier and more fulfilled life.
Why trust and rapport are important
Trust between client and therapist is the foundation of effective therapy. This requires transparency, professionalism, and empathy. The client must feel safe enough to disclose their innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. When trust is present, they are far more likely to participate actively in their own healing.
The therapist can build this trust by clearly explaining their methods, agreeing goals with the client, and listening carefully. Showing empathy, offering supportive feedback, and remembering personal details the client has shared all help ensure the client feels heard and valued.
Barriers to building trust and how to overcome them
Several factors can make trust harder to establish. A client’s previous bad experiences with therapy may leave them hesitant, while others may feel anxious or fearful about what lies ahead. In these cases, it helps to share examples of success, set clear expectations, and outline an achievable path forward.
Trust takes time to develop, but each session builds upon the last. Consistency, empathy, and clear communication gradually create a stronger bond between client and therapist.
Building rapport from the start
A new client is likely to feel nervous and uncertain. Simple steps can help them feel more relaxed and open to your interventions. Begin with open questions, for example: How are you feeling now? Have you had therapy before, and how did you find it? What are your goals? What would make you feel the sessions were successful?
It is equally important to show concern for the client. This demonstrates empathy and encourages trust. Ask what you can do to make the session easier, how they would prefer to be addressed, how they are feeling, and whether anything could be done to make them more comfortable.
Setting boundaries gives security
Clients are more likely to trust you if they perceive you as professional, in control, and experienced. Legal and professional requirements can also be used to build rapport if explained carefully. Assure the client that you are bound by professional ethics to keep their disclosures private and confidential, and explain the legal exceptions. Make clear when you are available and why these boundaries are in place, showing how this benefits both of you.
Do not treat this process as mere bureaucratic formality. Instead, use it as part of building trust and rapport. Your client will benefit from the clarity and reassurance it provides.
Culture, trust, and rapport
Culture encompasses all the elements of our background that shape our values and belief systems. Because many of these are ingrained from an early age, cultural norms often operate unconsciously. We may assume others think, communicate, and behave as we do, but this assumption can create barriers to trust and rapport.
We have already noted that social psychology operates in the wider world, and culture is a key part of that. A client’s cultural background—including class, ethnicity, region, sexuality, gender, religiosity, and many other factors—will influence how they interact with both the world and with you.
For example, whether therapy is viewed as a positive resource or as something to be avoided is a cultural belief therapists need to be aware of. Communication style is another: does the client value direct speech, or are they more comfortable with an indirect approach? Do they see eye contact as a sign of respect, or as something impolite? Do they come from a society that values the opinions of authority figures, or one that encourages questioning and independence? These perspectives will influence whether you take a direct approach or a more gentle, elliptical one.
Awareness of culture and its impact will help you build relationships with clients that lead to successful outcomes.
Contact me
I hope this overview has clarified the subject, and hopefully it has whetted your appetite for more. Please contact me if there is anything you would like me to cover, or anything you would like more information about.
Coming Next
In the second part of our series, we will look at: Social influence in the hypnotherapeutic context.