This examination is drawn up to illuminate:
What constitutes the essence in the interpersonal aspect of the psychotherapy relationship?
The aim is to establish distinct focus points for therapeutic practice. The subject matter is investigated qualitatively by employing the inductive method of analysis in the document processing. These documents were gathered by the use of the chain referral sampling method. Three theoretical perspectives are applied: Carl R. Rogers’ client-centered psychotherapy, Olav Storm Jensens sensetik-therapy and Susan Harts Neuro-affective psychotherapy.
The analysis shows agreement on congruence and empathy being part of the essence in the interpersonal aspect of the psychotherapy relationship. In addition there is some agreement on unconditional positive regard also being a significant essence-concept.
Moreover there is a striking consistency regarding the contents, the depth and the implications of these three essence-concepts which contrasts the prevalent application of the concepts.
Furthermore there is agreement on these essence-concepts in their profound form being common factors and thereby the essence in the interpersonal aspect of all types of psychotherapy.
This shows that the key conditions with Rogers’ original profound implications are applicable in more contemporary forms of psychotherapy.