Arjun, 35, a bank clerk in Lucknow, has felt anxious for months. His therapist uses relaxation procedures and cognitive restructuring, and his anxiety slowly eases. Arjun also says that seeing the same therapist every week, who is warm and understanding, makes him feel better. At the same centre, he joins a group in which another therapist asks members to act out fantasies about their feelings and conflicts, so that they notice the bodily processes and emotions they have blocked out of awareness.
The easing of Arjun's anxiety through relaxation procedures and cognitive restructuring is best explained by which healing factor?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → The techniques adopted by the therapist and their implementation
Option (1) The techniques adopted by the therapist and their implementation — Correct. A major healing factor is the technique the therapist uses and how it is applied. For an anxious client, relaxation and cognitive restructuring largely bring the healing, as with Arjun.
Option (2) The therapeutic alliance formed with the therapist — Incorrect. The therapeutic alliance heals through the therapist's regular availability, warmth and empathy. That explains his weekly comfort.
Option (3) Catharsis, the emotional unburdening in early sessions — Incorrect. Catharsis is the emotional unburdening in the first sessions. The question is about relaxation and restructuring, which are techniques.
Option (4) Therapist variables such as the therapist's positive nature — Incorrect. Therapist variables are non-specific factors such as positive nature and good mental health. They are found across all therapies and are not the specific methods used.
NCERT (2026-27): “Factors Contributing to Healing in Psychotherapy … “2. The therapeutic alliance, which is formed between the therapist and the patient/client, has healing properties, because of the regular availability of the therapist, and the warmth and empathy provided by the therapist.” |