EBP: Building the Therapeutic Relationship

Key Takeaways:

• Trust is the bedrock of all effective interventions, paving the way for meaningful and sustainable change.
  
  
• Corrections professionals must prioritize empathy, consistency, and active listening to foster authentic relationships.
  
  
• CorrectTech empowers corrections professionals with tools and insights to build trust and strengthen evidence-based practice.

Change is rarely straightforward, especially for justice-involved individuals who have histories of betrayal, mistrust, and systemic failure. Before any real progress can be made, we must answer one crucial question: Can I trust this person to walk this journey with me?

In this post, we’ll explore why trust and partnership matter, how to build them, and how they lay the groundwork for every other EBP principle.

Principle 1a: Building the therapeutic relationship

The change process is rarely linear. It is a winding road filled with ups and downs, moments of hope and despair, steps forward and occasional steps back. For justice-involved individuals—many of whom carry a history of trauma, betrayal, and systemic failure—this journey can feel especially daunting.

Yet no one should have to walk this path alone. When someone genuinely cares stands beside them, offering support and guidance, the unknown becomes less overwhelming. But before progress can begin, one fundamental question must be answered:

“Can I trust this person?”

The importance of trust

Trust is not a given for individuals repeatedly let down—it is earned. Their experiences in the justice system or with authority figures have often taught them that trust is dangerous and that vulnerability leads to disappointment. That’s why building the therapeutic relationship is so essential.

Clients may wonder:

• “Is this person going to listen to me or tell me what to do?”
• “Do they genuinely care about my well-being, or am I just another case file?”
• “If I open up and make myself vulnerable, will they stand by me, or abandon me like others have?”

These are not idle questions. They result from experiences of betrayal, manipulation, and loss. To foster real change, we must address these concerns authentically and patiently.

Why relationships matter in evidence-based practice

This principle was highlighted because of its vital role in the success of any intervention. While some EBP frameworks may have assumed that a strong working alliance is implicit, research and lived experience show that relationships cannot be taken for granted, especially in corrections.

Here’s why it deserves explicit focus:

1. Foundational to change. A strong relationship is the soil in which all other interventions grow. Without it, even the best-designed techniques risk withering.
2. Historical gaps. Corrections work has sometimes emphasized compliance over compassion, making it even more important to cultivate trust intentionally.
3. Client engagement. When trust, respect, and collaboration are present, clients are more willing to engage in the change process and take the necessary risks to transform their lives.

Early stages: The relationship takes center stage

In the initial stages of the change process, the therapeutic relationship is not just meaningful—it’s everything. Think of yourself not as someone leading the client up the mountain, but as a guide who walks alongside them, sharing the load and offering support.

When the relationship is solid, you’ll know that the client will start sharing more openly, asking questions, and expressing hopes and fears. That’s when real progress can begin, and Principle 2—Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation—can truly come into play.

How to build a strong therapeutic relationship

Building trust takes time, intention, and skill. Here are three key elements:

1. Active listening

When you’re talking, you’re not listening. This is more than a cliché—it’s a call to be fully present. Ask open-ended, thoughtful questions. Avoid interrupting. Reflect on what you hear. When clients feel genuinely heard, they begin to trust that you are invested in their growth.

Example: Instead of asking, “Why did you violate probation?” try asking, “Can you help me understand what was happening for you during that time?”

2. Empathy and compassion

Behavioral change is hard—sometimes excruciatingly so. Show that you understand and respect the difficulty of the journey. Offer empathy without judgment, recognizing that setbacks are part of the process.

Tip: Acknowledge their challenges with reflective statements like, “It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot on your shoulders. "

3. Unwavering support

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Clients need consistent, ongoing support to maintain motivation, especially when the road gets rocky. Celebrate small victories and provide reassurance during setbacks.

Suggestion: Regularly check in with clients about their progress and goals. Even brief messages of encouragement can go a long way.

Building a relationship that lasts

The therapeutic relationship is not a box to check—it is the core of your work. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen (or weaken) that bond. Trust, empathy, and support are the lifelines that guide clients through the challenges of change.

When you prioritize relationship-building, everything else—motivation, skill-building, and lasting change—becomes possible.

Ready to start? Build the foundation first

Building the therapeutic relationship is not just the starting point—it’s the heart of all effective interventions. Without trust, empathy, and genuine support, even the most well-designed programs can fall flat.

Clients who have faced past betrayal and disappointment need to know that you’re committed to walking this journey with them, no matter how challenging it gets. Every interaction is a chance to reinforce that trust, showing you are reliable, understanding, and fully invested in their growth.

Remember: the relationship isn’t a step—it’s the foundation. Prioritize listening, empathy, and support; you’ll create a safe space where change can begin.

At CorrectTech, we’re here to support you in implementing these principles—empowering you to make a real difference in your clients’ lives.

This a 12 part series. Here are all 12 blogs in the series:

1. An Introduction to Evidence Based Principles (EBP)
2. EBP: Building the Therapeutic Relationship
3. Community Corrections Interventions Must Begin with Assessment
4. To Be or Not to Be: Framing Offender Motivation
5. EBP: How Good is Your Aim?
6. Discovering Values in Collaboration
7. Practice Makes...Habit
8. Structure & Accountability Still Matter!
9. Catch Them Being Good!
10. It Takes a Community to Transition an Offender
11. What Works Anyway? Prove it!
12. Feedback Please!