In this article the dimension of mutual influence in the therapeutic relationship is discussed. This influence occurs while client and therapist are not aware of it, by verbal and nonverbal, bodily pathways, and via small relational moves. Interactional mismatching may bring in unexpected new elements, while interactional matching may result in new implicit relational knowing, i.e. knowing-how-to-be-with-someone that is functioning on a nonconscious level. The repertory of ways-of-being-with-someone may be expanded and possible relational moves which were blocked or undeveloped may be cured.
subliminal influences in the therapeutic relationship, implicit relational knowing
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.