The Temporal Structure Of Shortterm Psychotherapy

elects therapy before forming an alliance; the therapeutic alliance establishes the ground for defining goals; goal setting leads to focusing on specific change strategies; goal attainment leads to discussion about homework, relapse prevention, and leave taking; and termination points toward continues growth and possible return to treatment. For many short-term psychotherapists, a collaborative relationship provides encouragement to clients as the practitioner attempts to gain a phenomenological understanding of the individual’s experiencing. In addition, a therapist empathically assesses a client’s strengths and resources and becomes an active partner in goalsetting in order to enhance the pursuit of solutions and change. In the context of an empathic brief therapy model, we discuss the importance of empathy in stimulating the potentialities of a client. The experience of feeling understood deeply and in a sustained way leads to a greater sense of cohesion, continuity, and vitality of the client.