What is the primary aim of therapy that reduces resistance and dependence on the therapist?

Promoting independence in clients is central to effective therapeutic practice, especially in the context of reducing resistance and dependence on the therapist. This approach encourages clients to develop their own coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and self-reliance, empowering them to take control of their lives outside of therapy. By fostering independence, therapists create an environment where clients feel confident in their ability to navigate challenges without relying excessively on the therapist.

Encouraging independence helps clients integrate the skills learned in therapy into their daily lives, leading to long-term growth and decreased need for external support. This shift not only aids in the therapeutic process but also aligns with the overarching goal of therapy, which is to enable individuals to thrive on their own.

Increasing insight into personal issues is valuable, but it does not directly address the necessity of fostering a sense of independence. Focusing solely on underlying problems may overlook the client’s ability to heal and move forward independently. Maintaining ongoing therapy sessions, while important for some clients, can inadvertently contribute to dependency, which the therapeutic aim in question seeks to minimize.