Thirteen Points for Recognizing Past/Historical Issues in the Therapeutic Relationship

This paper aims to inform therapists by training them on the “past/historical” processes in their therapeutic relationships. Horvath and Bedi (2002) considered these processes the second component (with the alliance) of the “therapeutically active ingredients” of the therapeutic relationship. Relational science provides a fresh look at these processes, including the effects of attachment on the right hemisphere (Shore) and the sociometer theory of self-esteem (Leary), a relational self-model of transference (Andersen et al.), contingent self-worth domains, and achievements of “emotional highs” (Crocker & Parker). This work proposes a relational self’s perspective that offers a more comprehensive conceptualization of the therapeutic relationship, including 13 “points of recognition” for therapists in training.