Be attentive

Although this point may be common sense in theory, it is not always easy to enact in practice.

For example, some drug-abusing patients may use slang terms the therapist doesn't know. If the therapist doesn't ask for clarification, he or she may miss important information. This may further lead the patient to think that the therapist didn't care to understand, rather than that the therapist wasn't able to understand, and the therapeutic rapport may be harmed.

To accurately conceptualize the patient's life situation, the therapist must be able to mentally accumulate information about the patient from week to week. In this way, understanding increases.

A simple, tried-and-true method to enhance this process is to take thorough, prompt therapy notes about every contact with the patient, and tore view these notes religiously before each new session.

III. Maintaining a Positive Alliance over the Course of Treatment
2. Be Attentive. Remember Details about the Patients From Session to Session
Although this point may be common sense in theory, it is not always easy to enact in practice. For example, some drug-abusing patients may use slang terms the therapist doesn't know. If the therapist doesn't ask for clarification, he or she may miss important information. This may further lead the patient to think that the therapist didn't care to understand, rather than that the therapist wasn't able to understand, and the therapeutic rapport may be harmed. To accurately conceptualize the patient's life situation, the therapist must be able to mentally accumulate information about the patient from week to week. In this way, understanding increases. A simple, tried-and-true method to enhance this process is to take thorough, prompt therapy notes about every contact with the patient, and tore view these notes religiously before each new session.
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