How The Clarkson Model Shapes Our Work
Understanding the Clarkson Model: Five Pathways of Healing Relationships
Petruska Clarkson’s relational model illuminates how therapy works by naming five overlapping “modalities” of the therapeutic relationship.
1. Working Alliance
Task & Goal Agreement
At this level, therapist and client collaborate on clear goals and tasks—defining what you want from therapy and how we’ll work together. A strong working alliance builds trust: you know we’re headed in the same direction.
2. Transferential/Countertransferential Relationship
Unconscious Repetition of Past Patterns
Patterns from early relationships can replay in the therapy room. You might feel towards me as you felt towards a parent or partner—this transferential material gives us clues about what needs attention. In turn, my emotional responses (countertransference) guide me to understand your world more deeply.
3. Reparative/Developmentally Needed Relationship
Providing What Was Missed
Sometimes, earlier needs weren’t met—maybe you longed for emotional attunement or dependable care. In this modality, the therapist offers a corrective experience: the “good-enough” relational environment that heals wounds by giving you what you once needed but didn’t receive.
4. Person-to-Person Relationship
Authentic Human Connection
Beyond roles of “therapist” and “client,” we bring our full humanity into the room. Moments of genuine warmth, humor, and shared vulnerability help you feel seen as a person, not just a set of problems.
5. Transpersonal Relationship
Moments of Meaning & Depth
At its most expansive, therapy can touch on something greater than either person alone—moments of insight, spiritual connection, or profound shift that feel almost ineffable. These transpersonal encounters can realign your sense of purpose and belonging.
Why Clarkson’s Model Matters
Clarity: It gives both therapist and client a map of how healing happens in relationship, not just technique.
Depth: It invites us to notice subtle shifts—from practical goal work to soul‐stretching insights.
Flexibility: You may move through these modalities nonlinearly; healing isn’t a straight line.
Bringing It to Bridge & Bloom Therapy
At Bridge & Bloom, I weave these five modalities into every session:
We set clear goals together (Working Alliance)
We attend to pulling patterns in the here‐and‐now (Transference)
I offer the compassionate holding you may not have experienced before (Reparative)
We connect as two human beings sharing a meaningful space (Person-to-Person)
We remain open to that spark of insight or purpose that transcends words (Transpersonal)
Curious how these relational pathways might support your journey?
👉 Book a free 15-min consultation and let’s explore.