Psychotherapy is a _____ relationship between the one seeking treatment and the one who treats them.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → voluntary
Option (1) voluntary — Correct. Psychotherapy is a voluntary relationship between the one seeking treatment or the client and the one who treats or the therapist. Its purpose is to help the client solve the psychological problems she or he is facing.
Option (2) involuntary — Incorrect. The client chooses to seek treatment; the relationship is built on her or his trust, which cannot be forced into being.
Option (3) forced — Incorrect. A forced relationship would destroy the trusting and confiding bond that lets the client unburden herself or himself to the therapist.
Option (4) friendly — Incorrect. The therapist is warm and accepting, but the relationship is a professional alliance of limited duration: it lasts only until the client is able to deal with her or his problems. It is not a friendship.
NCERT (2025-26): “Nature and Process of Psychotherapy … Psychotherapy is a voluntary relationship between the one seeking treatment or the client and the one who treats or the therapist. The purpose of the relationship is to help the client to solve the psychological problems being faced by her or him.…” “Therapeutic Relationship … The second component of therapeutic alliance is the limited duration of the therapy. This alliance lasts until the client becomes able to deal with her/his problems and take control of her/his life.…” |