Troubles in the therapeutic relationship: A pluralistic perspective

From a pluralist perspective, there is no universally correct therapeutic attitude and no set way to deal with troubled therapeutic relationships. A three-factor model of therapeutic impasse is presented in terms of hopeless narratives, failing strategies, and ineffective interactions. This triple mapping allows for the development of a working hypothesis and a critical intervention in order to set therapy back on track. Although a one-shot event, the critical intervention is not a single-session magical cure, but an attempt to restore a productive therapeutic routine based on a better working alliance. This article illustrates this approach in three separate cases.