Dr. Iyer starts therapy with Neha, a college student in Chennai. Which of the following statements about the relationship between them are correct?
(A) It is neither a passing acquaintance nor a permanent and lasting relationship.
(B) Its two major components are its contractual nature and its limited duration.
(C) It lasts until Neha has told the therapist about all her problems.
(D) Over time it may turn from a professional relationship into a personal friendship.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A and B only
(A) It is neither a passing acquaintance nor a permanent and lasting relationship. — Correct. The therapeutic alliance is a special relationship: it is <strong>not a passing acquaintance</strong>, and it is not permanent either.
(B) Its two major components are its contractual nature and its limited duration. — Correct. One component is the <strong>contractual nature</strong>, a partnership of two willing persons aimed at helping the client. The other is the <strong>limited duration</strong> of the therapy.
(C) It lasts until Neha has told the therapist about all her problems. — Incorrect. The alliance lasts until the client becomes <strong>able to deal with her problems and take control of her life</strong>. Telling all her problems is part of the process.
(D) Over time it may turn from a professional relationship into a personal friendship. — Incorrect. It is a <strong>professional relationship, and must remain so</strong>. The therapist must also not exploit the client's trust.
NCERT (2026-27): “Therapeutic Relationship “… The therapeutic alliance also requires that the therapist must keep strict confidentiality of the experiences, events, feelings or thoughts disclosed by the client. The therapist must not exploit the trust and the confidence of the client in anyway. Finally, it is a professional relationship, and must remain so.” |