The healing relationship at the core of psychotherapeutic success

At the Faculty of Organizational Studies “Eduka”, on April 20, a panel discussion titled “The Healing Relationship: Science or Art? Integrative Psychotherapy of Dr. Richard Erskine” was held, bringing together students, psychotherapists, and all those interested in contemporary approaches in psychotherapy.

The panel featured Bogdan Marković, psychotherapist, director and founder of the Institute for Relational-Integrative Psychotherapy of Serbia, while the discussion was moderated by Assist. Prof. Dragana Mitrić - Aćimović, a lecturer at FOS “Eduka” and a psychotherapist under supervision at the “Mensana” counseling center in Novi Sad.

During the panel, key questions were raised about the nature of the healing relationship in psychotherapy – whether it is a scientifically grounded process or a skill developed through an authentic encounter between therapist and client. Special focus was placed on understanding and responding to clients’ relational needs, as well as the importance of attunement in the therapeutic process.

Marković emphasized that he founded the Institute with a clear intention to provide psychotherapists with a space for education free from oppression, highlighting the particular importance of the relationship as the foundation of psychotherapeutic work.

In the continuation of the discussion, Dragana Mitrić - Aćimović and Bogdan Marković shared examples from their psychotherapeutic practice, illustrating how attunement with the client and a high-quality relationship can have a healing effect.

The panelists relied on clinical experience, as well as knowledge gained through direct learning from Richard Erskine and international supervisors in the field of integrative psychotherapy.

At the event, two significant books by Richard Erskine were also presented:

"Early Emotional Confusion: Relational Psychotherapy in Working with Borderline Clients" and

"Withdrawal, Silence and Loneliness: Psychotherapy of the Schizoid Process".

The panel was further enriched by an active audience, whose most engaged participants were awarded these books.

The event took place in an interactive atmosphere and opened space for further exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of integrative psychotherapy.