The Transformative Therapeutic Relationship: A Challenge and Opportunity

The transformative therapeutic relationship is a unique interpersonal and intrapsychic phenomenon between analyst and patient. It occurs within the therapeutic framework, and is characterized by specific boundaries of time, place, and verbal and behavioral interactions. Collectively, these interactions may facilitate mutual trust, caring, respect, and affection between analyst and patient. The shared experience of the transformative therapeutic relationship can result in significant intrapsychic and interpersonal changes for both patient and analyst. Clinical case presentations are provided.